Herrystraat Deurne

Jessy van der Werff

• Architects

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ConceptFolding 77 - CF 77 Reynaers Aluminium

CF77 EN LR.pdf 1.2 MB

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This building is part of an ensemble of 15 Bourgeois Houses in Beaux-Arts style from 1923 and has been listed in the Inventory of Heritage Properties. The series of houses was originally erected with an identical layout, that was still very recognisable in the existing situation of this home: a robust front section in original state and a rear section with narrow rooms that were not in contact with the small outdoor space.

photo_credit Jessy van der Werff — Jessy van der Werff

The residents longed for a multi-functional space, which they could divide and modify as desired. The kitchen was located to the side in order to create a flexible open-plan living space. A skylight allows light to penetrate the core of the home. Thanks to a large collection of folding windows, the rear facade can be opened up entirely. This way, the courtyard forms an extension of the internal space and the occupants of this open-plan home can bring the garden into the house on a nice day.

Sloped sides and obtuse corners, inspired by the original plan, can be detected as a common thread throughout the project. The new kitchen is simply fitted with beveled upper cabinetry in cherry veneer with pink accents. The kitchen design continues through to the storeroom, so that this space becomes something of an extension of the kitchen itself. Small, light grey hexagons protect the wall behind the kitchen bench. The yellow floor catches the eye, as a brightly coloured geometric pattern of hexagonal tiles that flows further through to outside, where it organically leads to a terrace. The outdoor space was softened and made green, allowing thise urban courtyard to now feel more like a garden and fit in nicely with the home’s cheerful character.