Start with the end

"Don't we all first look at the final price at the bottom of an offer? Don't we all immediately have the final picture in our heads when we want to build a new house?"

At Bob Manders, we start with the end: What is the desired budget, what are the required surfaces, and what level of finishing is desired?

When it comes to budget, we find that it’s not just the total sum that matters, but also how it is distributed. Someone who is used to buying an outfit at Zara, with a luxury pair of shoes as the cherry on top, will think about the house in the same way: a standard good quality for the whole, with a beautiful luxury kitchen as the eye-catcher. Someone who chooses a basic model car but with all the luxury will generally opt for a smaller house, but one that is finished to a very high standard.

 

Surfaces and spaces, Essential, Premium and Luxurious

When it comes to surfaces and spaces, we find that people tend to choose larger spaces out of a sense of security. Often, this is not necessary, especially when there is a lot of glass in the house and the garden is closely connected to the interior. Therefore, we like to advise working towards the right size at the beginning.

We divide the choices regarding the level of finish into 3 groups for simplicity: Essential, Premium, and Luxury. Each of these levels has a general price attached, ranging from €1000 per m³ to €1350 to €1800 per m³. At the lowest finishing level, we use well-priced materials and simple detailing, while at the luxury level, materials are high-end and the finishing is much more detailed. The Premium level in the middle either uses cost-effective materials with more intricate detailing or expensive materials that are simply detailed. The level of home automation also varies from essential to premium to luxury, increasing as the luxury level rises. How the budget is distributed is a personal choice for each individual.

Let us meet !

It all starts with an introductory meeting! A construction process is an intensive journey, and a good connection is the best foundation for a successful collaboration.

During this conversation, we would love to hear your wishes regarding the new construction or renovation of your home, the construction of another type of building, or an interior remodeling project. Using example projects, we will introduce you to our latest work and architectural language. We are eager to learn about your living preferences, desired spaces, key characteristics, and budget.

Based on this discussion, we can create a tailored menu outlining all the possible services we can offer you. In a follow-up meeting, either on-site or at our office, we will go through everything in detail!

A fully tailor-made design in 5 meetings

Once the menu of options has been approved by you in the second meeting, our design process begins.

Fueled by all unique information and personal preferences—combined with zoning plans, visual quality plans, and an assessment of the surrounding buildings and natural environment—one or two bespoke designs will be prepared. These will be presented during the first design meeting.

The design takes shape in a 3D model, allowing us to fully account for the sun’s path across the site and, therefore, the home itself. I couldn't imagine designing a house without constantly cross-checking it with reality. After all, we all want to enjoy that first morning coffee in the sun on the veranda or sip a glass of wine in the last golden rays before dinner, right? And then there's the matter of views, nature, and the landscape.

By carefully considering all these elements, what may seem like an effortless final result will continue to surprise and delight every day, offering that extra layer of experience.

 

Experience

The experience shows that people often make several adjustments before arriving at a well-balanced design.

For example, if someone initially wants a lot of glass because their current home feels dark, there will likely come a moment when they realize it’s actually too much. Similarly, those accustomed to a compartmentalized home might initially desire an open loft-style space, only to later prefer more enclosed, ensuite rooms.

This is a natural process and nothing to worry about. The balance is achieved when we reach the point where nothing more needs to be added, but nothing can be taken away either.

From a final design to specifications and construction drawings: the stage where the interior is further developed.

When the Structural Design is complete, we can focus on further developing the interior. Using a concept mood board, we determine the key principles of the interior together. Based on Essential, Premium, or Luxury, we have already made many choices throughout the previous process—choices that are now being finalized into definitive design drawings, including wall elevations, appliance selections, and detailed specifications.