After years in the heart of Haarlem, Joline (38) and Joacim (40) exchanged their old city home for something completely different: a sustainable timber-framed house from BAM in Cruquius, styled by vtwonen. Together with their sons Mats (9) and Otis (4), they live here for free for a year – and they are having a great time.
Their previous home was in the center of Haarlem. “A beautiful old house, but we were a bit stuck there,” says Joline. “As entrepreneurs, it is difficult to turn to a bank. We wanted something bigger, but that didn’t work out easily.”
Until Joacim’s mother read something in vtwonen: a competition where you could live for free in one for a year wooden house in Cruquius. “We immediately participated. “My sixteen-year-old cousin – who has his own camera company – helped us with a video. And then it turned out that we had really won!”
Luxury and sustainable
They have been living in their wooden prize home from BAM since September 1, 2025. “It feels like we live in a showroom, but in a nice way,” says Joacim. “Everything is luxuriously finished: from the kitchen to the bathroom. We have a shower that gives a kind of mist of warm water. It’s like stepping under a soft blanket. We send everyone who stays here to the bathroom first!”
The indoor climate is also remarkably pleasant, says Joline. “People often say: it smells so good here, a bit like wood. That immediately gives a warm feeling. And it is super quiet – even the babysitter recently said that it feels so chill here.”
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Warm, cool and practical
Joline and Joacim notice every day that wooden houses insulate well. “We didn’t have to light the fire until late,” says Joacim. “Wood retains heat longer, and in the summer it stays cool. Exactly what you want.” Joline adds: “You notice it in everything: the humidity is good, the acoustics are nice. And the kitchen? It is spacious, cleverly laid out and surprisingly practical. Truly a living place where we like to meet.”
Living without chores
Another big advantage? “We are not allowed to change anything in the house,” says Joacim. “No nails, no screws. At first I thought: what a shame, but it’s actually wonderful. This house is simply finished. That gives so much peace.” Joline nods. “Many neighbors are still sorting out curtains, we don’t have to do anything. We’re just enjoying it.”
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‘This is the future’
Would they choose wood again in the future? “Without a doubt,” says Joline. “It is durable, comfortable and looks beautiful. And it is so special that you can build it prefab and then simply put it down.” Joacim: “It’s a world of difference with our old house. If we ever build an extension, it will definitely be made of wood.”
Also curious about the sustainable timber construction homes? See how it works.