On a quiet coastline of Denmark, this contemporary holiday home honours the low tech character of traditional beach houses, combined with the timeless architectural simplicity signature to Rotterdam-based, Dutch architect Pieter Kleinmann. Its minimal palette of natural and low maintenance materials responds to the marine environment: durable to salty air, the Western Red Cedar pitched roof and cladding will gradually patinate to a cool grey.

Inside, wide oak plank Dinesen flooring and oak wall panelling set a refined stage. Embracing communal activities, the plan prioritises the generous living, kitchen and dining space, open to the poured concrete terrace and direct path to the sea. 

Extended family is welcome; the house sleeps ten across three compact bedrooms, two bathrooms and a modest guest house. A dining nook and bunk beds in custom joinery blend function with aesthetics, while laid-back Safari chairs and deep sofas bring comfort alongside tactile details such as the bronze door handles by Vervloet. 

Just five metres above sea level, the house is a shield, frame and portal to the elements, always present through carefully  placed triple-glazed windows with sunken raw aluminium frames. In summer, light floods in and the deep roof overhang casts cool shade onto the terrace; during the wild, grey winter  underfloor heating and warm materiality forge a muted and protective shelter for retreat.