What would count as a piece of architecture that does not take away the beauty of the existing landscape? The concept sounds easy at first, but it takes a lot of effort to execute in reality. Nevertheless, the team at Studio Massimo makes it look easy with their work on the Office in Nature.
The name gets straight to the point. Images show us a building that easily blends into its background. On average, man-made structures stand out courtesy of their geometry. Curvatures can soften the contrast, but only up to a certain degree.
Meanwhile, the firm operating out of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, shows us something different. They’re calling the Office in Nature “a workspace where architecture seamlessly integrates with the surrounding heather landscape, creating a harmonious environment for both people and nature.”
Instead of a ground-up project, sources tell us this is a renovation of a derelict events hall in North Holland. It spans approximately 12,056 square feet and draws inspiration from traditional sod cabins. Hence, the roof is lined with native species of flora, while the exterior is clad in bark.
Upon entering, you’re exploring a spacious volume with towering ceilings. At the same time, skylights and full-height windows illuminate the interiors by day. Next is the laminated timber, which forms the beams and columns throughout the structure.
Instead of paint or wallpaper, almost every surface within is covered by Red Grandis wood. The Office in Nature offers several meeting rooms and workspaces on the ground floor. Finally, each section also incorporates sliding doors with direct access to the exterior.
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Images courtesy of Riccardo de Vecchi/Studio Massimo
