丨荷兰丨Arjen Reas Architecten

Livings Willemstad

Livings Willemstad

Livings Willemstad

Livings Willemstad

Livings Willemstad

In the Netherlands, several fortified towns are well kept throughout the last centuries with a very high monumental value. Willemstad is one of them with a rich history for its trading over water and as a strategic defence fortress of ‘Willem van Oranje’. It is unique to create not one, but even two new homes for just one family within this fortress.

As a reference to our design for both houses, we have used the shape of the building type ‘schaapskooi’. This type comes back in several places within the east side of the fortress as an independent building. A shape which is characterized by its simplicity and recognition as archetype living.

We have chosen to align the two houses, called ‘Hofwoning’ and ‘de keel’ with the nearby ‘Affuitloods’.

Spatial, but compact, was the starting point for the development of both living concepts. Although it concerns a large plot, the urban conditions have been set up in such a way that it remains a green garden within the fortress. The final concept for ‘Hofwoning’ is a combination of two volumes processed in each other. A walk through the living gives a diverse experience of spaciousness. The bedroom has a reduced version of the main shape as a volume for a feeling of intimacy and security. In the other rooms, such as the living room, the main shape is clearly visible with a high ceiling.

Because of the second floor, there will be more then enough space for several bedrooms.

The concept for ‘de keel’ is also a volume into another volume, but bigger in design with multiple functions in the space which arise. ‘ Hofwoning’ was focused on security, while ‘ de Keel’ is connected with all spaces. This creates very interesting dynamics within the house with a lot of possibilities for the young family.

The richness of brickwork in the fortified town gave us the motivation to give the new building its character. And since we added two new houses to this city, we also wanted to relate to the difference in time.

This is done by working with slick hand shape bricks and natural stone roof slates. With this the houses got a more monolithic appearance, which we made porous from the inside for lots of daylight and connections with the immediate surroundings.

Year: 2016

Location: Willemstad

Client: Private

Phase: Designcompatition

Arjen Reas Architecten

architectuur | interieur | bouwkunde

Bergse rechter rottekade 1 | 3051 AB | Rotterdam

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