The transformation was necessary to preserve a 130-year-old farmhouse as a landmark in the landscape and transform its 3300 m³ volume into a residential home with a rear annex—without losing its monumental features. Experiencing time and space, sustainability, renovation techniques, cost control, collaboration with the residents, and an architectural statement all come together in this house. The new home merges old and new in a surprisingly characteristic and layered way.
Multidisciplinary architecture firm NOAHH | Network Oriented Architecture aims to create architecture that connects. NOAHH pursues a research-driven agenda focused on user synergy, collaboration, and space-time experience. We view cooperation with the users as a driving force and spin-off for success. The influence of the children living in this house and the ideas of the architect create a unique symbiosis of architecture and the joy of living.
Interestingly, the residents' children were actively involved in the design. They created their own treehouse-like rooms and contributed ideas for the entire home. Gradually, a concept emerged that can best be described as 'constant freedom': an ongoing evolution of the ideal house, regularly shaped by new requests reflecting their ever-changing perception of space.
The interior is a statement in itself, shaped by a varied spatial composition where one space flows into the next. There are no doors in the new section. The question of whether the space beneath the roof is one room or many can’t easily be answered—and that’s what makes it interesting. Spaces are open platforms connected by rope ladders and bridges. The concept is openness and freedom: a continuum of places without hard boundaries.
All inauthentic additions were removed, and characteristic details were restored. We designed a 100% adaptable interior made of plywood and timber frame (HSB), respectfully positioned within the original structure—like a guest in the house. This new layer is easily adaptable to future needs. It’s a home without end. Not only is the house never ‘finished’, but also the home bases of its residents keep shifting—living, working, and sleeping are regularly swapped.
The old farmhouse was completely uninsulated. The new house includes a full inner insulation shell in roof, walls, floors, interior walls, and mezzanines. PV panels on the nearby barn and a heat pump bring the house to near energy-neutral (BENG) level. The sustainability may be invisible but is felt in the 80% drop in energy use. All materials—reed, wool, spruce wood, and plywood—are bio-based and fully recyclable.
Shifting usage is a key theme in our work. This listed 1891 farmhouse in Hoogkarspel now functions as a double residence. Due to changes in land use, livestock size, and environmental laws, the farming function was lost. Many such large farms—vital to cultural heritage—are now at risk. This idiosyncratic transformation demonstrates the value and future of these buildings, showing how they can be reimagined for contemporary life.
The spatial impact is about connecting treehouse-like rooms as mini dwellings, defining continuous space versus place, and merging old and new—each with their own identity—within a single home. Every space links to several others, allowing for wandering, gathering, and retreating. The house is equally suited for communal living or office use. Interventions in the old building were minimal and testify to deep respect for the historic structure.
Team:
Architect: NOAHH | Network Oriented Architecture
Team: Patrick Fransen, Daan van Westen, Valeria Obino, Florry-Anne Simons
Photos: Katja Effting
Programme: Woonboerderij met achterhuis.
Address: Streekweg 20, 1616 AK Hoogkarspel
Costs: ca 200.000 euro
Period: 2017-2024
Client: particulier
Contractor: Burgmeijer’s Bouwbedrijf, Paul Vis, bewoners
Area: 1.047 m2
Volume: 3.300 m3
