Sustainable Villa Built with Dowel-Laminated Timber Instead of Steel and Concrete

A new sustainable villa has been constructed along the beach in Noordwijk, focusing on minimising environmental impact. The architects at Van Manen chose a highly eco-friendly approach by using wood as the primary construction material rather than traditional concrete or steel. In addition, the villa incorporates a breathable design to achieve natural moisture and temperature regulation, ensuring a healthier living environment.

Innovative Wooden Load-Bearing Structure
Instead of the conventional use of steel or concrete, the villa features Holz-100, an innovative wooden construction system from Dekker Hout, based on Dowel-Laminated Timber (DLT). This system connects timber using hardwood dowels rather than glue or metallic fasteners, resulting in a fully natural, non-toxic construction that is also biodegradable and circular, while retaining a high level of strength and durability.

The walls, ceilings, and even internal partition elements have been constructed using the Holz-100 system. Prefabrication was crucial to the speed of construction. Within three weeks, the entire load-bearing structure was completed, and the house was made fully wind- and watertight.

Breathable Design for a Healthier Interior
The breathable design of the villa allows for natural regulation of indoor moisture and temperature levels, enhancing the residents’ comfort. The choice of the DLT system supports this breathable environment, as the wooden shell of the house, without adhesives or foils, permits vapour to pass through, thereby maintaining natural equilibrium between indoor and outdoor conditions.

Inside, the walls are finished with a breathable stucco, with all seams visible. This ensures that less moisture is trapped inside, reducing the potential for condensation. The wooden building envelope retains its breathability, which means it is well-insulated by a combination of natural materials like wood fibre and a newly developed type of insulation, Pavatex. This provides a sustainable way to insulate the villa while maintaining a breathable design.

Sustainable Energy and Ecological Design
The villa also integrates various technological innovations to make it energy self-sufficient. The flat roof is fitted with solar panels that generate sufficient energy to power the house and even store excess energy. Additionally, a geothermal heat pump is used to extract heat from the ground to warm or cool the home. Rainwater, increasingly scarce in the Netherlands, is collected in a 10,000-litre tank, filtered, and reused for various purposes such as irrigating the garden and flushing toilets.

Designed to cool and heat itself through natural ventilation and insulation, the house minimises reliance on active heating or cooling systems. The attic is equipped with a white reflective roof to prevent overheating, and the flat roof is covered with low-growing greenery that adds insulation value and serves as a habitat for insects and birds.

The villa was completed in July 2024.

Source: Duurzaam Ondernemen
Photos: Dekker Hout