Our client, a young ambitious couple, were considering buying a house in a large scale new development project in a former harbour area in Rotterdam. The location of the house looking onto the former harbour was a key feature that spoke to them. However, the floorplans were not meeting their demands. They asked us to come up with a plan that would not only facilitate their wishes, but would also fit in the already ongoing process of the preparation of the execution of the project. ⁠


P·A proposed a spacious plan with a large void connecting the kitchen and dining on the ground floor with the living room on the second floor. The void maximizes the view onto the water of this former harbour area. The stairs leading up to the first floor is designed as a visible feature in the void making the connection eminent.

Working from home is an important part of the couple’s daily routine. Hence the study area is integrated into the living room, separated by a large rectangular window. ⁠The stairs leading to the sleeping spaces on the upper floor is tucked away in an interior element stressing the more private nature. This floor is designed as loft space which can be segmented when guests stay overnight.

 
 
 
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Merel paes

architect

"When Meike and Marius approached us, we had the possibility to formulate our own vision in a large new project that was being developed. Based on the wishes and demands of Meike and Marius, we altered the original design into a home with allure and appearance that suits this couple much better."

 
the void and stairs create a connection between the kitchen and living room and maximize the view onto the harbour

the void and stairs create a connection between the kitchen and living room and maximize the view onto the harbour

the kitchen and dining area connect to the street

the kitchen and dining area connect to the street

the cooking island is a central element on the ground floor and creates a place to eat, lounge and connect

the cooking island is a central element on the ground floor and creates a place to eat, lounge and connect

there is plenty of space to entertain guest and have dinner parties - an important wish of our client

there is plenty of space to entertain guest and have dinner parties - an important wish of our client

the large glass façade and void allow natural sunlight to penetrate deep into the building and create a strong connection between inside and outside

the large glass façade and void allow natural sunlight to penetrate deep into the building and create a strong connection between inside and outside

from the living room, you have a wide, panoramic view into the (former) harbour area

from the living room, you have a wide, panoramic view into the (former) harbour area

the home office is not tucked away but connected to the living spaces

the home office is not tucked away but connected to the living spaces

the division between the living room and home office provides plenty of space for storage

the division between the living room and home office provides plenty of space for storage

from the office you can also enjoy the view into the harbour area

from the office you can also enjoy the view into the harbour area

the front of the house acts as a barrier between inside and outside. A large green wall creates a healthy, outdoorsy feel.

the front of the house acts as a barrier between inside and outside. A large green wall creates a healthy, outdoorsy feel.

the bathroom isn't tucked away but connected to the master bedroom for a spacious feel

the bathroom isn't tucked away but connected to the master bedroom for a spacious feel

from the bath you can overlook the harbour

from the bath you can overlook the harbour

ground floor plan

ground floor plan

first floor plan

first floor plan

second floor plan

second floor plan

 

client
Meike and Marius

address
Katendrecht, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

completed
under construction

contractor
Heijmans N.V.

collaborations
Frans van Hooijdonk Lichtontwerp

advisors
-

publications
coming soon

role P·A
architect & interior architect

project photos / impressions
P·A