Global architects reinvents terraced property with ‘house in house’ concept

all images © mirko merchiori

 
the hague-based firm global architects have reinvented a dilapidated terraced house from

the 1980’s into a light-filled, spacious family home located in the dutch town of wassenaar.

the theme ‘house in a house’ has resonated in the intervention sitting at the heart of the 

dwelling. the architect’s response took advantage of the height; due to the steep incline of the

roof structure, natural light is constant and has effectively influenced each room to be uniquely

shaped.

the ‘house within a house’ concept is explored through the white plaster intervention housin

the private rooms

 
 
the house is designed with an ‘integrated sustainability’ point of view with the use of passive

solar energy, reduced use of artificial light and airflow. contrasting against the concrete walls, 

a load-bearing white intervention spans the top two floors. finished in a concrete plaster; 

this core element allow all rooms to open up to the atrium, while square openings promote

natural ventilation and places emphasis on the ‘house within a house’ theme.

the kitchen sits at the ground floor, facing the garden outside with bespoke counters mounted

on wheels
 
  
a steel staircase located on the side spans the two floors and brings the residence together.

the architects wanted to create a refined yet unfinished aesthetic by exploring the use of 

materials. the existing ground floor of wood has been sanded down and oiled in a lighter 

color. for the kitchen, exposed concrete complements the custom-made movable kitchen

unit crafted in oak with a stainless steel surface. meanwhile, the roof structure is left ‘

unfinished’ through the use of exposed beams and oiled finish pinewood floorboards.

the large skylights enable a constant stream of light to enter into the core of the atrium

the aim was to explore an inventive use of space to ensure a level of comfort surpassing the

original home

the home previously was left in a dilapidated state

natural materials have been juxtaposed against concrete and plaster to enhance a warm living

environment

the steep incline of the rooftop structure and attic windows added an extra 40 sqm of space

the renovation was designed with sustainability as one of the main influences

the load bearing wall in the living room was finished with a concrete plaster and on the first

floor a cork floor is used

the square openings influence the flow of air into the rooms