We designed a modern detached villa in a beautiful location near the edge of a forest. The architecture style is well-balanced and modest in material usage. However, with wooden facade cladding, a green roof, and solar panels, the house is nearly energy-neutral. The materials have an understated character with a direct link to the surrounding environment, creating a cohesive blend with the landscape. We use handmade bricks that are locally produced and have a connection to the area’s past with its brickworks along the Waal river, establishing both a direct and indirect connection to the location.