Items Tagged ‘Netherlands’
Sugar Warehouse Loft
Project Name:
Sugar Warehouse LoftLocation:
Amsterdam, Netherlands, EUCompletion Date:
2003Original Use(s):
sugar warehouseNew Use(s):
private residenceProject Description:
History
The old sugar warehouse was built in 1763. It’s located on the Bloemgracht canal in Amsterdam. The building and its interior have largely gone untouched/unmodified for about 250 years.
(Re)Developer
George Gottl and Oliver Michell are both the owners and residents of the loft as well as the owners and directors of UXUS Design which handled the reuse of the interiors. UXUS is an independent design consultancy specializing in strategic design solutions.[1]
Outcome
“In keeping the original open-plan layout we created a series of dramatic curtain walls that could be opened and closed according to the needs of use. Made of luxurious Italian linen, the curtain walls are opaque when lit from the front yet transparent from behind. At night, the space becomes a series of glowing tents, creating the effect of a surreal interior landscape.”[2] Located on one of the ever-popular canals, this loft conversion offers its residents great access and views of the city.
[1]LoftLife Magazine
[2]UXUS Design
Images courtesy of Dim Balsem via UXUS Design.
Selexyz Dominicanen
Project Name:
Selexyz DominicanenLocation:
Maastricht, Netherlands, EUCompletion Date:
2007Original Use(s):
Dominican church, parish, warehouse, archive, bicycle storageNew Use(s):
bookstoreProject Description:
History
This 800-year old building once served this Dutch community as a Dominican church. Built in 1294, the Dominicans gave up the structure in 1794 when Maastricht was invaded by Napoleon and the religious order was forced out. Since that time it has served as a parish, then a warehouse, then an archive, and most recently as a bicycle storage location.[1]
(Re)Developer
Selexyz, one of the larger chains of bookstores in the Netherlands, teamed up with Merkx + Girod to completely repurpose the old, significant building.
Outcome
The building is again flowing with life and activity. Located in one of the country’s oldest cities, the adaptation “retains the character and charm of the old church, while being fitted with a minimalist and modern interior design that overcomes any suggestion of fustiness.”[2] Thanks to its massive ceiling height, two additional floors were added by a three-story black steel book stack to provide additional retail space. A cafe has been incorporated into the former choir alongside a seating area where shoppers can relax at the back of the building. A cross-shaped reading table was even included in the cafe area as homage to its past.[3]
[1]Inhabitat
[2]The Guardian
[3]Inhabitat
Images courtesy of sjoerdphoto and Inhabitat.
Chapel Residence
Project Name:
Chapel ResidenceLocation:
Utrecht, Netherlands, EUCompletion Date:
2009Original Use(s):
chapelNew Use(s):
residenceProject Description:
History This beautiful old Catholic chapel in Utrecht had served its community as a religious center for centuries (exact date of founding is uncertain - please email if you can verify).
(Re)Developer
Zecc Architecten has a long history of renovating historic and cultural sites.
Outcome
The conversion offers a brand new modern look inside while still respecting the historical appearance on the exterior. Due to its high ceiling, a second floor was able to be incorporated thus increasing livable space. The living room, dining area, and kitchen are located on the first floor while the second floor is used as a loft space. The original stained glass windows were retained while additional windows were incorporated on the first floor on the street side to allow for additional natural light. Very little of the original structural interior was altered, save the organ balcony which was extended for additional floor space. Furniture from the old chapel was also reused – benches are now used for seating at the dining table which is also made from benches.[1]
[1]Zecc Architecten
Images courtesy of Zecc Architecten.
Wolzak
Project Name:
WolzakLocation:
Zutphen, Netherlands, EUCompletion Date:
2004Original Use(s):
farmyardNew Use(s):
family residenceProject Description:
History
The project location was originally a farmyard that included a farmhouse, livestock barn, and other outbuildings. The farm had since closed. There’s was now a need for a larger residence.
(Re)Developer
Bjarne Mastenbroek of SeARCH (Amsterdam) took on the project of converting this structure. The architect envisioned a program of retaining the historical and spatial qualities while adding the new function of family residence.
Outcome
The “new” structure has unified the original farmhouse with the outbuildings. Only the livestock barn was demolished, but in its place a new structure is developed that is situated to keep the original T-form.
“The existing farmhouse and outbuildings are divided programmatically from the new extension. Living accommodation is situated in the existing building with the adjoining part of the extension housing a large open kitchen space and the entrance, situated between the new and existing. The workroom, guest accommodation and garden store are all located in the remainder of the new volume separated from the living spaces by a large conservatory. The freestanding barn is retained with an option for a future swimming pool conversion.”[1]
