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NIO architecten: Twin Blade

The Dutch architecture firm has recently completed an apparently symmetric houseboat in Amsterdam, featuring different atmospheres to respond to the residents' strong personalities.

Dutch architecture firm NIO architecten has recently completed a houseboat on Amsterdam's river Schinkel. "From a symbolic point of view, the houseboat is literally and coincidentally a 'twin blade'", state the architects. "As seen from the outside, it appears to be 98% symmetrical. But once inside, perception is inverted and an asymmetrical structure is revealed".

The single family house has been designed for a couple with completely different personalities. Whereas he is an introvert composer and musician, she is an extravagant visual artist. Two opposite work spaces respond to these divergences. For him, the architects have designed an underwater cellar with high ceilings; for her a bright studio on the top level, featuring a low ceiling that reflects the surface of the water.

NIO, Twin Blade — NIO architecten, *Twin Blade* houseboat, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2012

A central stair connects both work areas, crossing the bedroom, the living room and the kitchen. "The living room is the handle that joins the spaces of the 'sound cellar' and the 'image attic'", continue architects Maurice Nio and Arek Seredyn, addressing the "twin blade" concept. "The ability is to remain sharp as a knife, without getting in each other’s way: in a perfect, asymmetrical symmetry."

NIO architecten: Twin Blade
Architects: NIO architecten
Design team: Maurice Nio and Arek Seredyn
Location: River Schinkel, Amsterdam
Client: private
Contractors: Het Waterhuys (basic structure), Bipa SK (completion)
Completion: 2012
Construction costs: € 400,000

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