Marhûs Lakehouse by Lichtstad Architecten: A Sculptural Timber Retreat Rooted in the Frisian Landscape

Marhûs Lakehouse by Lichtstad Architecten is a serene architectural retreat positioned on the edge of a peaceful lake in Boornzwaag, The Netherlands. Completed in 2025 and spanning 450 m², the residence is conceived as a poetic dialogue between nature, craftsmanship, and contemporary sustainable design. Its name—derived from the Frisian words “Mar” (lake) and “hûs” (house)—captures both its spirit and its setting: a warm, modern lake house deeply connected to its environment.

Anchored in Its Landscape Setting

Marhûs sits between two small harbors, mature garden trees, a reed-lined quay, and a long jetty that opens to sweeping views across the water. From the street, the home appears modest and understated, blending sensitively with the fine-grained character of the village. Toward the lake, however, it reveals a bold and expressive architectural presence that responds to the vastness of the Frisian landscape. This duality—humble yet confident—defines Marhûs as a home that welcomes its surroundings while asserting its sculptural identity.

Architecture in Dialogue with Nature

The design is rooted in the ever-changing moods of the landscape. Marhûs is envisioned as a guest in nature, offering a balance between openness and shelter, intimacy and expansiveness. The house is composed of five slender, elongated timber volumes, each with its own orientation and spatial atmosphere. Together, they create shifting patterns of light and shadow, continuously framing new perspectives of the lake, garden, and sky.

The fluid rooflines and finely detailed façades enhance this sensory experience. Acting as a spatial lens, the architecture guides occupants through a sequence of unfolding views—from the entrance, where a framed vista draws visitors inward, to the kitchen-living area that serves as the vibrant heart of the home. This central space connects to an elevated living room, a sheltered waterfront terrace, fitness areas, and guest rooms, weaving movement and discovery throughout the house.

Craftsmanship Inspired by Shipbuilding Traditions

A defining theme of Marhûs is its homage to traditional wooden shipbuilding. This influence is embedded not just in the aesthetic expression but also in the construction process. The curved roof profiles recall the hull of a ship, lending the home an organic, sculptural character. Precision timber joinery and meticulous detailing express a deep respect for artisanal craftsmanship.

Constructed entirely of cross-laminated timber (CLT), the house combines structural performance with the warmth and tactility of natural wood. The sweeping roof forms unify structure, craft, and landscape, transforming Marhûs into an immersive spatial journey where materials and context converge.

Sustainable, Circular, and Energy-Neutral

Marhûs embodies advanced sustainability principles, designed as an energy-neutral home made from biobased and circular materials. Solar panels are discreetly integrated into elevated flat roofs, while a ground-source heat pump provides efficient heating and cooling. Breathable cellulose insulation ensures year-round comfort and indoor climate stability.

The exterior is clad in untreated wood and zinc, chosen for their ability to weather beautifully over time. Slim vertical incisions in the façades filter daylight into the interior, creating a poetic interplay of light and shadow. A green roof contributes to biodiversity, thermal efficiency, and water management, further reinforcing the home’s ecological sensitivity.

Interior and Exterior in Seamless Harmony

The interior design reflects the same quiet refinement as the architecture. Curved interior walls soften transitions between rooms, while sculptural roof lines define spatial zones with elegance and clarity. Materiality, rhythm, and natural light combine to create a serene, timeless atmosphere.

The landscape flows effortlessly from house to lake. Native grasses, flower gardens, and a long jetty anchor the home within its Frisian setting. To the east, a sunlit breakfast terrace greets the morning light, while shaded gardens near the master suite offer a more contemplative retreat. Elevated planting beds introduce subtle sculptural moments, and the street-facing garden maintains the modest scale of the village.

A Living Sculpture Shaped by Nature

Marhûs Lakehouse stands as a thoughtful fusion of landscape, craft, and sustainable timber architecture. Its spatial choreography, material authenticity, and ecological intelligence make it not just a residence but a living sculpture—one that elevates the experience of dwelling and celebrates the intimate bond between architecture and nature.