In a striking architectural feat, a couple in Amsterdam collaborated with architects to construct a home with a distinctive design that connects intimately with their family and the environment. Situated in Centrumeiland, a neighborhood renowned for its sustainable projects, the Light House reflects the area’s experimental spirit.
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Whimsical yet Thoughtful Architecture
Designed by the Amsterdam-based firm, Studioninedots, this extraordinary structure is composed of uniquely arranged units that foster family interaction while inviting nature inside. Meticulously crafted, this design embodies both creativity and sustainability, marking a significant example of modern living.
Unlike conventional homes where core functions are on the ground level, the design disperses these activities through separate “boxes.” This intentional configuration encourages residents to experience the space dynamically, blurring the sensation of levels as one navigates through the home. Such a concept is key to the home’s unique charm.
“Moving through the space that naturally opens among the boxes, you’ll find intimate nooks fit for relaxation or work — or dramatic voids, that trigger maximum interaction and create a stronger sense of the surroundings,” explains Metin van Zijl, a partner at the firm. This interplay of space and design fosters new, unexpected connections.
Flexible and Sustainable Structure
The layout adapts gracefully to the family’s evolving needs. A serene retreat for reading or yoga hovers above the lively kitchen, forming the heart of the Light House. The team created the outgoing “holiday home” rising 14 meters to an outdoor terrace, offering breathtaking views of IJmeer Lake. Architectural elements enhance these features.
A wall of square glass blocks defines the lower house, obscuring yet revealing, ensuring privacy while letting daylight permeate. Wouter Hermanns, a collaborator, describes how the design “blurs your sense of the above and below, the inside and outside, the open and closed,” creating varied spatial experiences through its structured approach.
Material Excellence and Community Integration
The facade’s steel grating elements maintain a rhythmic aesthetic, creating a cohesive look. The use of grey industrial materials adds diverse textures, interacting with light to give the structure an abstract allure.
Built with prefabricated timber within a steel frame, the lightweight, modular system ensures flexibility and sustainability. The Light House contributes to Centrumeiland’s eco-initiatives by efficiently managing onsite water, aligning with its green ambitions. This architectural vision embodies the principles of environmental harmony.
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A Personalized Haven by the Lake
The Light House, designed to embrace changing spatial experiences, offers the family a dynamic dwelling they could never have foreseen. Its blend of vibrant and tranquil spaces makes the home a perfect reflection of the family’s lifestyle.
In addition to this project, Studioninedots is involved in several international endeavors, such as a new workspace design in Bordeaux and a housing development in Hoofddorp, Amsterdam.
Project Name: Light House
Architects: Studioninedots
Location: Centrumeiland, Amsterdam, NL
GFA: 257m²
Design – Realisation: 2021-2025
Design Team: Metin van Zijl, Albert Herder, Vincent van der Klei, Wouter Hermanns, Ania Bozek, Dennis Roest
Collaborators: De Ingenieursgroep BV, Romijn Bouw, AtelierBouwkunde, Clemens Lichtadvies
All images © Sebastian van Damme.
Source: worldarchitecture.org
Frequently asked questions
What is unique about the Light House design?
The Light House design is unique for its use of ‘boxes’ that disperse core functions across levels, encouraging dynamic navigation and interaction within the space.
How does the Light House integrate sustainability?
The Light House integrates sustainability through a modular system of prefabricated timber and steel frames, efficient water management onsite, and alignment with Centrumeiland’s eco-initiatives.
What materials are used in the Light House facade?
The facade of the Light House uses steel grating elements and grey industrial materials to create diverse textures and an abstract allure.