Abstract:
This penthouse, a former maternity ward, is located on one of the most beautiful canals in Amsterdam. Through optimization of the original floor plan, the volume of space was transformed and enhanced to create a unique spatial environment. Based on the richness of materials presented in still life paintings by the Dutch old masters, a contemporary environment was created where contrasting combinations of materials are carefully balanced with contrasting textures. The design provides for a contemporary, sophisticated home that accommodates all the client’s requests and wishes, including a state of the art domotica system.

Project description:
This penthouse that was created for a New-York based couple, is located on one of the most beautiful and famous canals in Amsterdam, close to the Rijksmuseum. Through optimization of the original maternity ward floor plan, the volume of space was transformed and enhanced to create a unique spatial environment. The design provides for a contemporary, sophisticated home that accommodates all the client’s requests and wishes. This exclusively designed 175 square-metres penthouse with terrace comprises two individual seating areas, kitchen, bedroom with en-suite bathroom, as well as a hidden guest room with walk in closet and private bathroom. The independent seating areas are connected by a white marble corridor and view lines throughout the penthouse reveal and embrace natural daylight.

The interior design concept is inspired by the richness of materials presented in still life paintings by the Dutch old masters. A contemporary environment is created where contrasting combinations of materials are carefully balanced with contrasting textures. Rich materials like silk, marble, brass and oak are being combined to create striking compositions of color and texture. In the designs of unique interior showpieces, much attention is paid to detail and craftsmanship. The classy master bedroom is fully covered with delicate silver-grey silk wall panelling that flawlessly pass into the warm colored marble bathroom. The contemporary en-suite bathroom celebrates an exquisite blend of textures carved in marble.

The seating area overlooking the Amsterdam canals, showcases a handmade wall-covering cabinet executed in American walnut. This ‘James Bond’ like feature is accommodated with a hidden bar, humidor, wine cabinet and flat screen.

The lounge area on the north-side of the apartment features an oak-wood paneled wall that folds out to reveal a hidden guest room. This hidden feature converts this lounge area into a luxury guest room with walk- in closet and private bathroom.

Design Criteria:
This project perfectly embodies the judging criteria: innovation, creativity, functionality, sustainability and inclusivity. Firstly, the aesthetics, although subjective, are rich and refined. The contrasting combination of materials, carefully balanced with contrasting textures, create a beautiful contemporary environment.
Innovation can be found through out the whole apartment. That is, the technology is state of the art. Yet a great effort is made to hide all the high-end features. Heating, cooling, ventilation and heat recovery, it is all integrated in the general design and custom-made furniture.

The multi-functional recessed ceiling lights create a warm ambiance and can also be used to highlight objects by pulling them out. The heat pump on the roof powers the floor heating. In the summer, the floor is used for cooling as well and on really hot days the fan coil units, which are hidden in the recessed ceiling will step in for extra cooling. The outlets of these units are integrated in the custom furniture and hardly visible.

High-end LED lighting is used all through the apartment. The multi-functional recessed ceiling spots can be pulled out to light the art or other objects. Behind the scenes a high end domotica system controls all the techniques.
Nevertheless, the features in the apartment can be operated manually as well. The apartment layout has been conceived to be highly flexible: many areas of the apartment are transformable, like the hidden guest room with walk-in closet and private bathroom and the kitchen & living area.

The apartment is easily accessible through a private elevator that reaches the central corridor and a high privacy standard is guaranteed both for the owners and their guests. Solar power provides the energy that is used for heating, cooling and cooking. The buffer vessel stores the energy during the day to make it accessible whenever needed. The penthouse is luxurious and comfortable while the ingenious hybrid system ensures a small environmental footprint.