The Forest Villa MB Integrates a Timber Roof with Its Woodland Setting
Amy Duong — July 14, 2026 — Art & Design
References: dezeen
The Forest Villa MB is designed around the existing woodland in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, using a gridded timber roof that adapts to the surrounding trees rather than replacing them. Created by architect Tom Kneepkens, the exposed space-frame structure extends beyond the home's enclosed rooms, leaving open sections that frame the tree canopy overhead. Raised on a pale concrete plinth, the residence is organized around a central corridor with courtyards positioned according to the existing landscape, allowing architecture and vegetation to coexist throughout the site.
Large expanses of full-height glazing connect the living, dining, and kitchen areas to the surrounding forest, while the bedroom, bathroom, and circulation spaces adopt a darker, more intimate atmosphere. Deep brown timber beams, dark cabinetry, grey rendered walls, and deep green furnishings reinforce the natural palette indoors, contrasting with the crisp grey exterior walls.
Image Credit: Peter Baas
Large expanses of full-height glazing connect the living, dining, and kitchen areas to the surrounding forest, while the bedroom, bathroom, and circulation spaces adopt a darker, more intimate atmosphere. Deep brown timber beams, dark cabinetry, grey rendered walls, and deep green furnishings reinforce the natural palette indoors, contrasting with the crisp grey exterior walls.
Image Credit: Peter Baas
Trend Themes
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Tree-adaptive Architecture — Buildings shaped around existing vegetation signal potential for premium residential design that preserves mature landscapes while creating highly site-specific living experiences.
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Exposed Timber Frameworks — Visible structural grids are redefining interiors and exteriors as expressive design systems that merge sustainability, craft, and spatial flexibility.
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Indoor Forest Immersion — Full-height glazing and courtyard planning reflect growing demand for homes that deliver continuous visual and emotional connection to natural surroundings.
Industry Implications
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Residential Architecture — Custom homes that integrate rather than clear natural sites present new value propositions for architects serving eco-conscious luxury clients.
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Sustainable Construction — Timber-forward structural approaches create opportunities for lower-impact building methods with strong aesthetic differentiation.
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Luxury Real Estate — Forest-framed properties offer distinctive market positioning by combining privacy, biophilic design, and environmental sensitivity.
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