![Modern countryside villa by MAAS Archicten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/modern-countryside-villa-maas-archicten-architecture-residential-netherlands-glass_dezeen_hero-d-852x479.jpg)
Maas Architecten merges a thatched cottage with a glass greenhouse
A gabled greenhouse appears to slide out from beneath the thatched roof of this villa, completed by Maas Architecten in the Dutch countryside.
The property was designed by Lochem-based Maas Architecten for a site on the edge of the town of Berlicum in the Dutch province of North Brabant. It was designed to combine regional forms and materials with contemporary details.
![Modern countryside villa by MAAS Archicten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/modern-countryside-villa-maas-archicten-architecture-residential-netherlands-glass_dezeen_2364_col_3-852x568.jpg)
Called Modern Countryside Villa, the building features a H-shaped plan with two contrasting wings – one is a dark timber-clad volume, while the other is a transparent glass structure.
A glazed central corridor spans the gap between the two wings and accommodates the entrance.
![Modern countryside villa by MAAS Archicten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/modern-countryside-villa-maas-archicten-architecture-residential-netherlands-glass_dezeen_2364_col_2-852x568.jpg)
The volume to the right of the entrance contains a garage and storage space, with a fully glazed section at the rear extending out beyond the thatched roof.
The roof appears to be pulled back from this extruded glass form, allowing plenty of daylight to enter a room that is intended to be used as a studio space.
![Modern countryside villa by MAAS Archicten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/modern-countryside-villa-maas-archicten-architecture-residential-netherlands-glass_dezeen_2364_col_1-852x479.jpg)
On the opposite side of the entrance, the second wing containing the main living areas is flanked at either end by fully glazed gables.
A grove of trees lining the front of the plot provides the predominantly transparent living spaces with privacy from the nearby road.
![Modern countryside villa by MAAS Archicten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/modern-countryside-villa-maas-archicten-architecture-residential-netherlands-glass_dezeen_2364_col_6-852x533.jpg)
The large glazed surfaces, including a rectangular box that projects from the side of the lounge and dining space, offer expansive views of the surrounding countryside.
"The H-shape creates a wind-less private outdoor space where you can see the sun set," explained the architects. "Privacy is assured in spite of the glass."
![Modern countryside villa by MAAS Archicten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/modern-countryside-villa-maas-archicten-architecture-residential-netherlands-glass_dezeen_2364_col_5-852x532.jpg)
A kitchen, pantry and toilet are accommodated in a wooden volume at the front of the living area, with the master bedroom extending into a sheltered courtyard at the centre of the building.
Stairs adjacent to the kitchen ascend to an office on top of the wooden box that overlooks the ground-floor spaces.
![Modern countryside villa by MAAS Archicten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/modern-countryside-villa-maas-archicten-architecture-residential-netherlands-glass_dezeen_2364_col_7-852x1363.jpg)
The courtyard can be used for outdoor dining and is connected to a swimming pool and terrace by a bridge that crosses a reflecting pond.