Dezeen Magazine

Villa Sonnehaert by Hollandse Nieuwe

These offices for the Dutch Football Association in Zeist by interior designers Hollandse Nieuwe are concealed behind the classical facade of a reconstructed mansion (+ slideshow).

Villa Sonnehaert by Hollandse Nieuwe

Inspired by mown grass, painted white lines and football kits, the contemporary offices occupy all three floors of the building, which architects StudiOzo had completely remodelled after all that remained was a facade.

Villa Sonnehaert by Hollandse Nieuwe

Hollandse Nieuwe used studs like those on the soles of football boots to create the shapes of sporting figures on the inside walls, as well as to spell out words.

Villa Sonnehaert by Hollandse Nieuwe

Numbers are stitched onto sofas so that resemble the backs of football players' shirts, while opaque circles look like little balls on the glazed partitions to meeting rooms.

Villa Sonnehaert by Hollandse Nieuwe

Surfaces are predominantly green and white in each room, matching the colours of a freshly painted pitch.

Villa Sonnehaert by Hollandse Nieuwe

Other football-related projects we've featured include a football training centre in South Africa.

Villa Sonnehaert by Hollandse Nieuwe

See more stories about football »

Villa Sonnehaert by Hollandse Nieuwe

Photography is by Gerard van Beek.

Villa Sonnehaert by Hollandse Nieuwe

Here's some more information from the designers:


For the Dutch premiere and first league football association as well as two other associated organisations, Hollandse Nieuwe developed an inspiring office.

Villa Sonnehaert by Hollandse Nieuwe

The building is a rebuilt villa and only the facade is original.

Villa Sonnehaert by Hollandse Nieuwe

Whilst the exterior looks like a traditional mansion, the interior has no reference to its historical context.

Villa Sonnehaert by Hollandse Nieuwe

An abstract of the world that is associated with professional football were the inspiration to develop a visual language based on studs, stitching, leather, chalk lines, patterns of mowed grass and shirt numbers.

Villa Sonnehaert by Hollandse Nieuwe

Without becoming literal these elements form a new language where for example studs are used to make logos, patterns and figures; stitching is used in detailing benches; the green and white create a fresh and crisp atmosphere. The meeting place for football professionals.

Villa Sonnehaert by Hollandse Nieuwe

Project: Dutch premiere and first league football association
Delivered: 2012
Size: 1500 m2

Villa Sonnehaert by Hollandse Nieuwe

Above: original building before reconstruction

Villa Sonnehaert by Hollandse Nieuwe

Above: original building before reconstruction

Villa Sonnehaert by Hollandse Nieuwe

Ground floor plan - click above for larger image

Villa Sonnehaert by Hollandse Nieuwe

First floor plan - click above for larger image

Villa Sonnehaert by Hollandse Nieuwe

Second floor plan - click above for larger image