When Maas Architects' principal, Wim Maas, wanted to design his own mansion in the Dutch city of Diepenheim, he faced pushback from the town's housing authorities.
In an effort to preserve the landscape and views of the nearby wooded areas and river, the height of houses is regulated in the area.
His solution? Build it partially underground, and make sure it blends into the hills.
Construction of the home, called the "Farmhouse," started in early spring, and is estimated to be complete by this October, Frank Vijftigschild, an architect working on the project, tells Business Insider.
Take an exclusive look at the renderings.
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The Farmhouse is located in the outskirts of Diepenheim, the Netherlands.
The secluded, 2,700-square-foot mansion appears to blend right into the surrounding vegetation. The house is allowed a maximum height of 13 feet from the ground level.
Inspired by the forest nearby, Maas Architects used native oak for the facade. The vision behind the home was to integrate it into the landscape, Vijftigschild says. From the front, there's a view of the De Zandvang River.
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