This apartment, a characteristic 1930's house in Amsterdam West, located in the De Baarsjes neighbourhood, has been renovated in a fully sustainable and responsible manner.
The renovation focused on three main pillars:
1. Insulating the house and eliminating the use of gas.
2. Using as many sustainable and healthy materials as possible.
3. Optimizing the use of available square metres.
1. Saving Energy According to the Trias Energetica
The house has been made energy-efficient following the principles of the Trias Energetica model:
- Step 1: Minimize energy loss.
The facades have been insulated from the inside using wood wool, a circular and sustainable material.
- Step 2: Use renewable energy.
The gas meter has been removed, and the flat now runs entirely on electricity. Heat walls provide comfortable, evenly distributed heating, while an electric instantaneous water heater supplies hot water for the kitchen and shower.
- Step 3: Replace fossil fuels with sustainable alternatives.
The flat uses 100% fossil-free energy sourced from a local Amsterdam energy cooperative.
2. Healthy and Sustainable Materials
We carefully selected materials that are both healthy and natural (bio-based). The paints we used are naturally derived and free from harmful emissions, ensuring a safe and pleasant indoor environment. The walls are insulated with wood wool, a circular material known for its excellent insulating properties. The heating elements are integrated into the walls and finished with clay plaster, a natural material that helps regulate moisture and enhances the indoor climate.
The flooring is made of cork, a natural, renewable, and moisture-resistant material. Because of its durability and resistance to moisture, the cork flooring is installed throughout the house, including the kitchen and toilet.
Originally, the house featured a solid oak wooden floor, but it was severely damaged. To extend its lifespan and repurpose the wood, we crafted a dining table and a bathroom cabinet from the salvaged floorboards. Additionally, the dining table bench was made from an old gym floor, giving the materials a new lease on life.
All furniture is second-hand, purchased from vintage shops or online marketplaces, contributing to a circular and sustainable interior design.
The window sills are made of composite, a durable material produced from recycled PET bottles—each square metre contains approximately 100 PET bottles. The curtains are also crafted from recycled PET bottles, further reducing waste.
Finally, the toilet bowl and sink are innovative products made from wood chips combined with a resin-based binder. These fixtures have a carbon footprint that is 30–50% smaller than comparable ceramic alternatives, aligning with our commitment to sustainability.
3. Efficient and Smart Furnishing
Through clever, space-saving solutions and the use of custom-made furniture, every square metre of the flat has been optimised, providing ample storage space. In the bedroom, the bed and wardrobe are seamlessly combined into a single piece of furniture, creating a sense of hotel-like luxury.
The second room, though compact, has been designed with versatility in mind. A custom-built wall unit incorporates both a worktop and a folding bed, transforming the space into a multifunctional home office and guest room.
The Result
The result is a flat that is not only functionally designed but also offers a healthy and comfortable living environment with a minimal ecological footprint. Every decision—from materials to layout—has been carefully considered to contribute to a sustainable future.
