Architects: Caspar Schols
Area: 45 m²
Year: 2016
Photographs: Jorrit’t Hoen
Manufacturers: Fransman Glas, Houthandel Smetsers, Knauf, Konijnenburg, Pflaum, Plaka
Drawings: Eva Ibáñez Fuertes
Budget: 20.000 euro
City: Eindhoven
Country: The Netherlands

Garden House, designed by Caspar Schols, is a dynamic structure at his parental home, built mainly from Douglas wood with an inner shell of double glass and a steel roof. The house, which can adjust its size from 6×4 meters to nearly 12 meters, is heated by a Norwegian wood stove and rests on reinforced concrete pillars. Schols designed the house to fulfill his mother’s extensive wish list, including spaces for writing, dining, hosting parties, and experiencing nature. The house’s flexible design allows it to be fully closed for warmth, partially open for light and nature, or fully open for an outdoor living experience, accommodating various activities and weather conditions.

This dynamic garden house was constructed at the architect’s parents’ home. The concept behind the house is its adaptability to any weather condition, mood, or occasion. Primarily built from Douglas wood, it features an inner shell of double glass and an overarching steel roof. The space is heated by an efficient Norwegian wood stove. Stability is provided by a traditional timber truss structure, supported by 18 reinforced concrete pillars (150x20x50cm). Excluding terraces, the house measures 6 meters in length and 4 meters in width at its smallest, but can extend to nearly 12 meters when needed. Most of the house was prepared as a ‘kit’ in Schols’ mother’s garage over approximately four months. Friends and family then helped assemble it on-site in two weeks, followed by an additional two months to complete the project.

Schols’ mother was looking for a prefab garden house. When she mentioned this, Schols suggested designing and building the house for her. She was immediately enthusiastic about the idea and provided an extensive wish list the next day, detailing what the house should include, all within a €20,000 budget and the governmental restriction of a 25m² footprint.

The architect’s mother provided an extensive wish list for the garden house. She wanted a place to write her book, a venue for large dinners (25-30 people) in the middle of nature, and a space for parties. She also desired a BBQ area for friends and family gatherings, an extra sleeping place for guests, and a retreat within her own garden. The list included a ‘camping’ spot for an outdoor/nature experience, a place to sunbathe and relax next to the pond, and a play and sleepover area for her grandchildren. She wanted a stage for her (grand)children to perform music and theater, a unique and special space, and a terrace with a windscreen to enjoy the early spring sun. Moreover, she wished for a place to sleep under the stars, a painting area with adjustable lighting, and a spot to listen to music in nature. She also wanted a bird-watching space and an area where inside and outside merge, as she often opens all doors and windows even when temperatures are below 10°C. The list further included a meditation space, a fun and engaging object, a storytelling place, a therapeutic mediation area (as she is a therapist), a spot for philosophizing, a game-playing area, a tea house, and a workspace.

According to Schols, his mother is a very special person who values authenticity and thoroughness. She seeks pure experiences without any pretense and has a strong inclination toward experimentation and unconventional ideas. Therefore, Schols aimed to create a design with a high degree of flexibility, akin to the adaptability of clothing. The concept was to allow the house to be modified and adjusted almost as easily as changing clothes, providing the freedom to tailor the space to any need, mood, or weather condition at any given time.

In its fully closed state, the house provides a warm and cozy shelter during rainy, windy, cold, or stormy weather. It becomes an excellent place for activities such as philosophizing by the fireplace, playing games, writing, storytelling, and more.

In warmer, sunnier weather, the wooden protective shell can be slid open to enjoy maximum light and fully experience nature while still being shielded from rain and wind. Imagine waking up, sliding the shell away, and going back to bed to enjoy the slowly rising sun. This configuration allows for adjustable natural light suitable for various activities. Furthermore, the doors on the east and west sides of the house can be opened to allow a cool breeze if needed.

When the weather is especially good and sunny, the glass shell can be slid open to create an outdoor living space. The bed, fireplace, and furniture are instantly immersed in nature. This setup allows for sleeping under the stars, sunbathing with a windscreen, hosting BBQ parties, or simply relaxing and enjoying your freedom while remaining perfectly comfortable.

In party dinner mode, sliding the glass shells outward creates a 45m² indoor space. This expanded area provides enough room for a ten-meter-long table and can comfortably accommodate at least 30 guests.