It's hard not to love a timber-framed home like the Rieteiland-Oost Island House in the Netherlands, but with forests around the world in such critical condition, it's crucial that designers use only certified, sustainable sources. Thankfully, that's exactly what Dutch designers Egoen Architecten did for this striking green-roofed residence and office in the IJburg Residential complex. And that's not all.

In addition to using only sustainable timber (and a whole lot of it for framing, external shutters that control solar gain, a beautiful spiral staircase, as well as decking), Egeon Architecten went to great lengths to ensure that this triple story home office consumes the smallest amount of energy possible.

This is achieved with heat-resistant glass, high insulation in the roof, walls and floor, thermal bridging and careful orientation, as well as a heat pump and low-temperature underfloor heating. The design promotes both natural ventilation and daylighting, while the sedum roof provides further insulation. Tall, natural and green, this home is an excellent addition to a suburban enclave.

+ Egeon Architecten

Via Contemporist

Photos by Chiel de Nooyer