HIMACS brings contemporary cool to a rural Netherlands villa

When it comes to planning the perfect rural retreat designed for modern family living, there lies a balance in achieving a blend of warmth, comfort, practicality, function and fun. For the owners of this stunning rural Netherlands property, the open-plan kitchen area provides all this and more. Working alongside interior designer Stuurman Ontwerpt, the villa incorporates a vast kitchen space with a generously sized island within its centre. Ideal for preparing food, cooking, chatting with guests and catching up over coffee, the island is topped with smooth, seamless HIMACS in fresh Alpine White. Hardwearing and resilient, the material is the perfect choice for worksurfaces as it is durable, strong, low-maintenance and easy to shape. Made from a mix of minerals, pure acrylic and natural pigments, the solid surface design not only gives the kitchen a high-spec finish but it is also extremely practical and visually striking. HIMACS is ultra-hygienic, too. Resistant to dirt, bacteria and harsh chemicals with a smooth, seamless non-porous surface, there is nowhere for germs to hide. In this day and age, where hygiene is of utmost importance, it’s good to know that HIMACS can help keep the home clean and safe.

The rest of the kitchen is made up of veneered oak cabinets that reach from floor to ceiling for maximum storage with a stained lacquer finish that enhances their durability while adding to the luxe look. A discreet coffee centre is furnished with premium coffee-making kit while a flush-fit built-in oven and wine cooler match the sleek downdraft hob, undermounted sink and Quooker boiling water tap set within the HIMACS island worktop. An overhang crafted from oak from the owners’ own garden provides the perfect spot for sitting down with family and friends over coffee or a glass of wine before dinner.

As well as visualising the stunning open-plan kitchen and creating the contemporary-style cabinets, fabricators Studio Hout also realised the customisation of the villa’s bathroom furniture too. A true sanctuary for relaxing and unwinding at the end of a long day, the space may be long and narrow yet it is expertly planned with sculptural freestanding bath, walk-in shower, floating vanity unit with vessel basins and a chunky countertop, also made from hygienic HIMACS in Alpine White to mirror the kitchen worksurface. Selected for its low-maintenance, easy-clean finish and hardwearing qualities, HIMACS is the ultimate choice for both bathroom and kitchen surfaces. The crisp, clean Alpine White of the countertop also works beautifully within this monochrome scheme that features matt black brassware and black framed shower screen, heated towel rail and cabinet echoing the simple kitchen colour palette.

The new build villa is designed by Freek Lauwers, who placed it a few metres to the back of the property to give a feeling of more green space, successfully creating an exclusive rural setting with a pared-back, simple feel. Upon arriving, visitors are greeted by a modest front to the property yet once you step inside, you are rewarded by the most welcoming, inviting mix of light and space. The interior design by Stuurman Ontwerpt is a playful tribute to the old farmhouse. A nod to its character is however included thanks to exposed trusses, and brickwork, vaulted ceiling, a cast floor by Enssieg Group and a stylish door fitting by Formani within the downstairs open living area as well as a low thatched roof at the front of the end facade.

Lighting was also carefully considered throughout with Vertigo ceiling lamps by Petite Friture and a Brokis ceiling lamp from Billekens Licht & Advies. Bold, playful, calming, characterful perfect for modern living, the villa exudes charm from every corner.

HIMACS is the ultimate versatile, flexible material perfect for residential and commercial projects. It can be thermoformed and moulded into any shape and is widely used for interior and architectural applications. Made from a mix of acrylic, minerals and natural pigments, it creates a smooth, non-porous and visually seamless surface that meets the highest standards for quality, aesthetics, fabrication, function and hygiene. It’s also extremely easy to clean and maintain with a quick wipe down with a damp cloth.