Where material, proportion and silence shape everyday living
This penthouse was designed for a retired entrepreneurial couple seeking a calm and comfortable home overlooking the Dutch landscape. Although the apartment had already been completed as a shell, the challenge was not to alter its architecture, but to introduce clarity, warmth and refinement within the existing layout.
Expansive views across the harbour, grazing meadows and surrounding waterways became an integral part of the design. Rather than competing with the scenery, the interior was conceived as a quiet backdrop, allowing natural light and the changing landscape to remain the home's defining feature.
One of the project's key interventions transformed a visually fragmented corridor into a single architectural element. Multiple doors, visible hinges and technical components were concealed behind vertically detailed suede wall panels with acoustic backing. Flush doors, recessed handles and push-to-open mechanisms create a seamless composition that reduces visual distraction while improving acoustic comfort.
The generous proportions of the living area required a more intimate spatial organisation. Instead of one large seating arrangement, the space was divided into two distinct zones. A lounge centred around the fireplace and television serves everyday family life, while a second seating area overlooks the harbour, offering a quieter place for reading and conversation. This subtle division allows the room to support different ways of living without interrupting its openness.
Materiality is defined by precision and restraint. Full-height marble surfaces continue seamlessly into custom waterjet-cut flush plates, while recessed skirting boards, bespoke joinery and carefully integrated lighting reinforce the clean architectural language. Every detail was considered to create continuity rather than decoration.
A Study in Restraint demonstrates how thoughtful detailing, acoustic comfort and carefully balanced proportions can transform an existing shell into a timeless home where architecture quietly enhances daily life.
The space was transformed into a clean, minimalist feature wall made from nubuck slats mounted on an acoustic backing. Each door was custom-fitted with discreet handles, designed according to its function, creating a seamless wall with (semi-)hidden doors that blend effortlessly into the design. Every room in the penthouse tells its own story through meticulous details. In the guest toilet, a full-size marble back wall stands out, with flush buttons precision-cut from the same marble using waterjet technology. The guest bedroom, with its recessed baseboards and an ensuite bathroom, offers a refined, almost studio-like quality that balances comfort with sophistication.
From functional design solutions to luxurious material choices, each decision was made to create a space that reflects the owners' lifestyle.
The living room and kitchen posed a unique challenge due to their near-square shape, requiring a creative departure from traditional layouts. We embraced the space by creating a back-to-back seating arrangement. This allowed for a larger lounge area focused on the TV and fireplace, while a cozier section faces outward toward the view.
The result is a functional yet inviting space that caters to multiple uses while maintaining its warmth and elegance. The result is a penthouse that celebrates thoughtful living. From the functional design solutions, such as the corridor transformation, to the luxurious material choices, each decision was made to create a space that reflects the owners' lifestyle. It’s a home designed for ease and enjoyment, where every detail contributes to a harmonious whole.
