The building's vast space is divided in a settlement-like manner, emulating a group of small houses inside the main dwelling. Thus, small "streets" emerge as multifunctional living spaces for activities such as playing, partying, washing and working. In contrast, a series of "house-like" volumes contain less mobile spaces, such as bedrooms, bathroom, and storage. Compressing spaces such as the bedroom, the architects achieve a series of open spaces that expand. The "streets" carry daylight right into the heart of the house, and allow for views outwards. According to the architects, the open spaces can be "colonized" in the future, constructing extra volumes, when the family expands.
The clients were exceptionally closely involved in the design process; the excellent relationship between architects and clients allowed for comprehensive research and understanding of how the clients behave and use their daily spaces.
On the upper level, activities like dining, cooking and office work take place, in areas the architects define as "roof terraces". "They are more intimate and private compared to the large open living room," state the architects. "The rooftops maximize the functionality of the space, without comprising the sense of open space."
Address: Levantplein 5, Amsterdam
Client: Private
Design: Marc Koehler Architects
Design team: Marc Koehler, Miriam Tocino, Anna Szczuek, Maarten Verhelst
Interior furniture design: Marc Koehler Architects & Made-up interior works
Area: 160 square metres
