Multi functional home – The Netherlands
The substantial volume of this once industrial building, has been wisely divided into two levels, allowing to accommodate different functions: an office and a workshop on the ground floor, a gallery space and a home on the first floor. The two floors are connected by two sculptural staircases, one of which leads to the home through the kitchen, the other one brings visitors from the workshop to the gallery space.
Re-imagined by Dutch practice Studio Modijefsky the ground level serves as a workshop but as you go up the main staircase and cross the threshold, the old boiler house comes across open to visitors. Immediately as you enter, the interior appears sober and welcoming, being it defined by three main finishes: white painted materials, oak wood, and brass. The completely white walls subtly reveal the structural grid, enhanced through a play of reliefs which become traces of the function, a celebration of the building.
A large gallery space has been created to accommodate different kinds of moments and events, leaving space for imagination. White industrial beams overlook the haring bone wooden floor, two simple elements in harmonic balance with each other. Three holes in the ceiling, previously accommodating chimneys, are now replaced with glass portholes, turning the openings into skylights.
During exhibitions the grand gallery space is serviced by the open kitchen which is part of the house. A central piece, the island, has been carefully designed and crafted entirely in brass, completely filled with cabinets on each of the four sides, and covered by a beautiful stainless-steel top.
A large oak table and a set of vintage chairs are surmounted by an art piece: a self-built kayak hanging upside-down above the length of the table. An opening through the wall invites you to discover a much more intimate and embracing space, such as the living room, which is characterised by a series of wooden objects and vintage furniture pieces that give the space a deep feeling of warmth. Here a comfortable sofa is facing a wood-burning stove.
The white herringbone floor tiles in the bathroom complement the oak wood and white marble of the cabinets, while high mirrors above the sinks enhance the ceiling height. Bronze light fixtures, designed and crafted by the client’s atelier, can be found throughout the space as small pleasant surprises.
