In Utrecht, the Steel Craft houses stylizes the features of a working-class home with a corten steel façade designed by Zecc Architecten. An abstraction in material, features such as traditional a roof cowl with dormer and a chimney are translated into steel. Stylistic elements like a plinth, alternating stone bands, brick-on-edge courses, and cornices can also be found in the steel sheet patterns.
The colour of the corten, which refers to the patina of the archetypical Dutch brick, together with the stylized forms creates a distinct architecture that at the same time merges with the neighbouring brick residential buildings.
Windows in the new façade have their own character, reflecting the use that is behind them and further forming an abstract composition. Other features of the façade include a bay window shaped as a cantilevering enclosed surface as well as a mini-loggia/French balcony at first floor.
Against the hardness of the steel exterior, the interior concept is soft and light, featuring sculptural pieces of oak furniture. Daylight from patios, skylights and light domes help to flood the space with natural light.
