Project: Waterland House
Architecture design & interior design: Chris Collaris Architects & Frederik Roijé
Structural engineer: Vissers & Vissers B.V.
Contractor: Hagoort Bouw B.V.
Location: Uitdam, Waterland, The Netherlands
Copyright images: On a hazy morning & Ewout Huibers
Text by Chris Collaris Architects
Situated less than ten minutes from Amsterdam, on an old dike along the Markermeer lake, is a small village in the municipality of Waterland called Uitdam. The village is surrounded by water and an agricultural landscape with a protected nature reserve. In the background the Amsterdam skyline.
Although the distance to the capital is small, the contrast in living experience is tremendous. Most houses are detached with differences in age and style, but mainly built in the traditional Waterland style.
In this little place we designed a family home together with Frederik Roijé. A house that fits within the contours of the historic buildings, but with unique contemporary features.
The archetype shape of the house, the wooden cladding and the details in the facade refer to the Waterland houses. The black color of the wood refers to the original black barns and haystacks in Waterland.
A large rectangular shape is merged with the house which benefits the space and living function. The element also provides new and contemporary characteristics to the house, especially at the lake side which makes the house unique.
Many glazed fronts are used to let in daylight. The large fronts literally open the house and connect the inside with the outside through interesting sight lines and an optimal view at the front and rear of the house.
The house is located at the village street and has two gardens, a plot located across the street called an ‘overtuin’ plus next to and in front of the house. Allowing for clear line of sight from the dike to the street and further on to the ‘overtuin’. A greenhouse provides privacy in the ‘overtuin’, but does not block the sight lines in the surroundings.
To enjoy the landscape as much as possible, the living space has been realized on the first floor, hovering above the level of the dike. The ground floor contains, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a third toilet and the entrance to the house. A staircase in the hall leads to the first floor which consists of one large open living space. Big glass sliding doors gives access to a spacious loggia that provides a nice transition from inside to outside.
The living room has an open kitchen and cooking island. A seating area at the front has a fantastic view on the meadows. A wood stove provides extra atmosphere and has a central place.
The structure of the house has partly remained visible in the interior. Due to the rectangular element in the house, the living space has sides with a straight walls and ceiling. The space is high and amorphous spatial. A large skylight provides more daylight in the central area of the first floor. An outside staircase gives easy access to the backyard and the dike.
An unambiguous and repetitive materialization characterizes the Waterland house. The pine wood of the roof construction is reflected in the stairs and fixed cupboards in the bedrooms. The window frames are all made of black painted mahogany. A concrete floor is applied throughout the whole house. The Waterland house has a geothermal heat pump and solar panels on the roof which make the house future proof and energy efficient.
To make the atypical typical was the greatest challenge of this house, especially dealing with the history of the place. Sometimes things are for a reason, and sometimes you have to change things because of a very good reason. You can only make these kind of steps with people who are on the same page. Frederik has been an inspiration to me for years with his product designs which in my view are atypical typical as well. They are turning your mind on things you thought you already knew. House with a view does the same: despite the common logic of the site it opens up above the dike for a very good reason: to enjoy the unexpected at a great place.
Personal quote of Frederik Roijé: This house is for my own family. It is a sustainable and spacious home in a unique location where it is very nice to live. The atmosphere of the house fits in nicely with the appearance of my products. The lamps, chairs and tables from my collection look great in the house. The experience of the seasons, the view, the water and nature are fantastic. This being only a few kilometres from the energetic capital. Designing this object with Chris Collaris Architects is a unique educational experience and leaves you wanting more.
