Private residence with a touch of magic

Two classrooms in a building from the early 1900’s were converted into the spacious living quarters for a young couple. The couple envisioned a welcoming, fun space, Bruce Wayne style, with a touch of magic. With natural materialisation and subtle detailing extending the entire height of the space, a luxurious, daylight flood and welcoming home was created to answer all their wishes.

Project data

Client

Undisclosed

Timeline

April 2019 – January 2020

With its high pitched windows to avoid students gazing outside, the space had a rather stringent first appearance. The design turns the original atmosphere into a virtue to emphasize a bold character. The existing brick wall was left in sight, flaws and all. It is contrasted with a pristine white kitchen with clear lines and smooth silestone surface top with subtle natural drawing. Warm wooden panels – its colour and pattern could be derived from a luxury home in the series Mad Man – incorporate cupboards on the one end and provide a refined backdrop for a slender black steel entresol with library on the other. A black steel framed ensuite door, flanked with contemporary ensuite cupboards, connects the former classrooms. It bridges the original spacious characteristics to a self-evident residential atmosphere.

Details are not the details. They make the design. - Charles Eames -

A mirror in the hallway extends sightlines while seamlessly and surprisingly accommodating all of the program. In line with the other design interventions, the mirror hides secret doors. A bedroom, bathroom and study are housed in the former offices with a more intimate atmosphere and wooden ceiling.

Photography: Alexander van Berge.