Amsterdam
Loft
Renovation of a private house2024
Adres: Retiefstraat, Amsterdam
Gross floor area: 63m2
Photographer: Flaredepartment.com
ardor—studio:
—Concept, Design and technical drawings
—Contracting
—Building (kitchen, cabinets)
Maximising space, light and comfort further determines the general direction of the design choices. As a result, the apartment as a whole has been kept open as much as possible, while the bedroom and office space is small and cozy in contrast. A roof window and dormer were build to gain extra floor space and daylight. Adding to the generous amount of windows bringing in light from all directions all day long.
At the entrance, a narrow but high corridor leads to the main space of the house. In here, high, oak-wood veneered doors and frames give entry to the bathroom and study. The built-in wardrobe follows the same style. The doors of the installation rooms, also in the corridor, are contrasting with a white matte finish, and built-in cabinet-like door sizes, starting higher from the floor.
Generous in size, the kitchen block in combination with the tall bookshelf, increases the sense of height in the space. On the side of the block is a shallow, oak-veneered cabinet for books as well as kitchen storage. The mix of functions makes the division between the kitchen and living room softer.
In the back of the space, the mezzanine with cupboards and stairs is designed as one whole and finished with oak veneer as well. This piece of furniture is supported by the bearing wall on one side and hangs from the roof on the other side. It results in a tiny bedroom house that burrows under the rooftop. Without support in the underlying living room, this area stays open and free. The mezzanine is made of a simple beamed ceiling that adds to the coziness of the seating area. Holes in the ceiling function as ventilation and make a composition with the beams.
The bathroom is tiled with 60-year-old tiles from a French factory where nowadays Winckelmans tiles are produced. Though a minimal-sized space, it holds many functionalities like a washer, dryer, vanity desk, storage, toilet and shower. The bathroom still feels spacious and light, with daylight and a partially high ceiling.
A minimal color and material pallette offer calm spaces throughout the apartment. The white walls reflect the daylight that, during the days and months, show varying tones. And last but not least, high-quality materials, equipment and installations ensure comfort. The A+ energy label is the highest achievable level for renovated buildings.