VB56 House by VANBOOM: A Sustainable, Energy-Positive Prefab Home in Oostkapelle

VANBOOM introduces its first energy-positive home, the VB56 House, located in the serene coastal town of Oostkapelle, The Netherlands. Completed in 2024 and designed by co-founder Jurg Hertog, this innovative prefab house embodies sustainable architecture, energy efficiency, and customized living. With a gross floor area of 119 m² and a net floor area of 76 m², the VB56 demonstrates how compact design can merge luxury, comfort, and environmental responsibility.

Sustainable Prefabrication and Material Innovation

The VB56 House is built with 80% wood, including its structure, insulation, cladding, frames, and stairs. This extensive use of sustainable timber not only reduces the building's carbon footprint but actively stores CO₂, supporting a greener planet. The prefab construction method enables the home to be made wind and waterproof in just three days, significantly reducing transport emissions and on-site construction time. VANBOOM’s commitment to circular design is highlighted by its policy of planting one new tree for every tree used in the construction process.

Layout and Interior Design

The two-story VB56 maximizes spatial efficiency while maintaining luxury and comfort. The ground floor features a sunlit open-plan living area seamlessly integrated with a high-end kitchen, complete with Bulthaup appliances. Two bedrooms on this floor, including a master suite with an automated sliding window for optimal light control, offer privacy and convenience. The upper floor houses a third bedroom designed as a peaceful retreat. Both floors include modern Duravit bathrooms, blending functionality with contemporary design.

Interior finishes are thoughtfully selected for both aesthetic appeal and sustainability. Natural materials and high-quality detailing reflect VANBOOM’s philosophy of customized, energy-conscious homes. The interior design harmonizes with the exterior’s wooden facade, creating a coherent, modern, and eco-friendly living environment.

Energy-Positive Performance

The VB56 is a 100% energy-positive home, achieving an A++++ energy label through smart design and renewable technologies. Integrated solar panels on the south-facing roof generate more energy than the household consumes. A heat pump system with PVT panels further enhances efficiency, drastically reducing energy costs and minimizing the home's ecological footprint. This combination of technologies ensures the VB56 operates sustainably year-round.

Key Features at a Glance

• 100% energy-positive home
• 80% wood construction for carbon capture and circularity
• Gross floor area: 119 m²
• Net floor area: 76 m²
• Integrated solar panels and smart heat pump system
• PVT panels for optimized energy efficiency
• High-end kitchen appliances by Bulthaup
• Modern Duravit bathrooms on both floors
• A++++ energy rating

A Model for Future Living

The VB56 House represents more than a sustainable holiday home—it embodies VANBOOM’s philosophy of environmentally responsible, tailor-made architecture. As co-founder Jurg Hertog explains:

"Our client sought an energy-efficient holiday home for six, with minimal involvement due to demanding jobs. They trusted VANBOOM to manage the entire process—from design and permitting to final realization."

Through innovative design, premium materials, and energy-positive technology, the VB56 sets a new benchmark for sustainable living. It exemplifies how prefab homes can combine luxury, comfort, and environmental stewardship, offering a model for future residential architecture.

The VB56 House is a testament to modern, sustainable architecture, demonstrating how wooden prefab construction, energy-positive design, and personalized service can create homes that are both beautiful and eco-friendly. VANBOOM’s VB56 House is not just a residence; it is a blueprint for future-focused living, marrying luxury, efficiency, and environmental responsibility in perfect harmony.

All photographs are works of Jordi Bombeeck