House Robert-Jan & Inge
On a parcel almost a kilometer in length, Personal Architecture (PA) realized a new-built home with a sweeping view of the surrounding meadows and the nearby church tower. It is a traditional dike house, at first glance. But on closer investigation, it is a contemporary residence with a hint of mystery.
PA created a unique design that is both charming and bold. From outside, the home resembles a traditional, two-story house clad in bricks and slate. Yet it is evident that the pallet of materials has been applied in a contemporary manner, which gives the house a bold presence. Details like the four meter high windows in the north and south-facing walls and the subtle band of brickwork that protrudes from the façade reveal that this is no ordinary house.
Inside, the duality of the residence comes to fruition. The living program is spread over five different floor levels, which are spectacularly brought together by the ribbon-like staircase that weaves from one level to the next. The open kitchen at ground-level forms the heart of the home. Large, story-high sliding doors on either side make this room an extension of the garden. The flooring contributes to this notion: a ‘carpet’ of single-fired tile runs from the southern terrace, through the house, to the northern terrace.
From the open kitchen you can descend a half story to the semi-basement, where the hobby space and music room are located, or climb past the landing to the living room. The living room is just a half-story higher than the kitchen, which preserves the interaction between the two spaces whilst enabling a view over the dike to the estates across the water from the comfort of the living room couch. From the living room you can see the elevated split level floor on which the study, master bedroom, children’s rooms and bathroom are located. At the top of the staircase, two bedrooms and another bathroom are nestled comfortably in the gable roof.
