VIlla 4.0: Hexagonal Dutch Home Gets a Green Facelift

Fresh off their round-the-world sailing trip, a Dutch family comissioned <a href="http://www.vangameren.com/">Dick van Gameren Architecten</a> to give their new bungalow outside of Hilversum a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/take-a-peek-into-ebay%E2%80%99s-new-sustainably-revamped-modular-offices/">super sustainable upgrade</a>. Although not as efficient as their sailboat, the fourth upgrade to this 1960s hexagonal building in the Netherlands (hence its name Villa 4.0) does ensure that the building's heating, cooling, and lighting will be achieved with the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/luminous-led-wallpaper-lends-a-low-energy-glow-to-any-room/">lowest possible energy consumption</a> while also re-establishing its intimacy with the surrounding green plot. More details about the numerous adaptations applied to this naturally illuminated family home after the jump.

After living on a sailboat for several months, a Dutch boating family wanted their home to be as sustainable as possible

They discovered a bungalow in Hilversum, which had been built in the 1960s on a hexagonal plan.

And commissioned Dick van Gameren Architecten to give it a sustainable upgrade

Naturally, the architects were up to the task!

Although every effort was made to use existing materials, some interventions were necessary.

Outer walls and roofs were upgraded, and internal walls gutted.

Newly installed insulation improves the building's thermal efficiency

And the home's intimacy with its lovely green plot is re-established.

Water is heated by the sun, while additional home heating is derived from an ecological wood-fired stove and underfloor heating.

Skylights ensure that the house receives oodles of natural light.

And the home relies on passive design for much of its cooling and ventilation.

Additional cooling is provided by a unique pump system that splashes water from a nearby brook on to the roof!

The bedroom floors are made from bamboo, one of the fastest growing and most sustainable materials.

This is Villa 4.0's fourth major upgrade.

With new trees and bushes planted and felled ones stored for firewood, the landscaping puts nature at the heart of this home.

Ensuring that this most recent renovation will last a long, long time.