A family decided to renovate their house extension and to reconfigure the layout to approach a different spatial arrangement. The house built in the 1930’s and located in Rotterdam has a large backyard that the family uses throughout the year.

The design of the new layout included not only the re-arrangement of the new house extension, but also the re-design of the ground and first floor with a possible future extension. The existing house conditions, original details and family wishes were all integrated in the floor plan, where the main intention was the articulation between the large back garden and the interior.

Modular facade
The interior design of the extension was split in two main functions connecting them with the way the facade operates. While on one side the kitchen connect to an outdoor terrace with an operable window, on the other side the facade can be fully open connecting the flexible space with the garden. In general, the facade aimed to be as transparent as possible to create a visual connection when entering the house.

Collaborative process
During the starting point of the design process there was a continuous dialogue with the client and the contractor to share ideas, improve the quality of the project and solve potencial issues during the construction to understand everyone’s expectations.
The extension was built with sustainable materials, wood for the structure, eco-friendly wall insulation, a new floor heating and a green roof will work together to improve the energy efficiency of the house.

Matarialization
The facade as the main element of the project, was designed in a rhythm of 6 modules and built specifically for this project from a standard timber company specialised in modular facades. The “Platowood” in the facade, which ages through time, creates a contrast in the garden and the oak wood selected for the interior. A selection of light materials and colours for the interior highlight the house details and amplifies the light from the new skylight.

Year:
2022-2023
Location:
Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Client:
Private family
Program:
Residential
Size:
150 m²
Status:
Compeleted
Design Team:
Andrés López, Isabel Driessen
Construction:
Bosporus Bouw
Facade supplier:
Timmerfabriek Pors
Photos:
Willy Lamers