I’m Laura Visser – Minca, founder of Atelier Umbra, a Netherlands-based architecture studio located on the western coast of South Holland, where windswept dunes, vibrant flora, and wooded landscapes shape our daily inspiration.

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We specialise in thoughtfully crafted residential architecture that responds intuitively to its surroundings and aligns closely with your vision and everyday needs — whether it's a new home, a secluded holiday retreat, or a weekend hideaway immersed in nature.

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Atelier Umbra creates bespoke houses and cabins that bring a sense of stillness, connection and balance — architecture that serves as a counterpoint to the pressures of modern life. Spaces that are not just built, but deeply felt.

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Our design approach is defined by a continuous dialogue of contrasts: softness and sharpness, richness and restraint, light and shadow.
We believe natural light and shadow are not just elements to be managed, but tools to carve atmosphere and infuse your home with depth, calm and quiet beauty. This ever-shifting interplay lies at the heart of our name: Umbra — Latin for shade / shadow.

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Our architectural language speaks in quiet, measured tones. Rooted in the serenity of our coastal setting and shaped by design traditions that honour simplicity and natural harmony, we embrace sustainable, elemental forms softened by texture, muted palettes, and gentle geometry. Inside and outside are in constant conversation, while functional needs — from storage to wet rooms to home offices — are seamlessly integrated into the overall experience of the space.

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We’re excited to share our work and philosophy with you, and to offer inspiration as you begin the journey toward your own custom-built sanctuary.

Whether you're dreaming of a new build or planning to remodel an existing property — you're warmly invited to explore.

I look forward to discovering the possibilities with you.