Goedemorgen toekomst!

Steeped in over 350 years of history, the house on Vijzelgracht had certainly seen better days. This building, originally designed by Philips Vingboons, was considered to be of historical importance, since only around 80 of these typical Amsterdam weaver’s houses have survived to the present day. However, having seen a multitude of different uses and undergone various structural extensions, the building faced the threat of being demolished in 2008. After it began to subside, the City declared it uninhabitable. But then rescue came in the form of a new foundation in 2015, paving the way for a meticulous, loving and sensitive renovation and revival by the architectural firm, Benthem Crouwel. Using their extensive experience and excellent eye for detail, they uncovered historic features, and removed a storage shed to the rear and a more modern side extension to create space for a garden and an open conservatory at the back. 

The open façade at the rear is essential to making the best use of this narrow building’s four floors. The bedrooms in the rear-facing open basement level are bathed in abundant natural light, while the ground floor above it forms the communicative focal point of the house with its dining room and kitchen – including a utility room. The living room is located on the next floor up and a study can be found next to it in the glass mezzanine extension. A small, modern staircase leads from the bright living room up to the top floor, which includes the master bedroom with bathroom and toilet. What makes this house so special is the sheer variety of looks and the successful combination of (very) old and modern features. For example, a section of historic wooden steps worn down by countless feet is seamlessly integrated into the new staircase. In contrast, the converted attic is designed as a partially open-plan sequence of bathroom and bedroom areas, offering a bright, feel-good space with white, yellow and glass elements.

Each room in the old weaver’s house on the Vijzelgracht has its own personality from the entrance hall with its bold patterned stone floor to the guest room fully panelled in cosy brown wood and the transparent yellow study with its glass ceiling. However, one thing that every part of this house has in common is high quality – whether in terms of materials, workmanship or living comfort. From a technical perspective, intelligent building technology based on a Gira KNX system ensures convenience and efficiency. The control unit used is a Gira pushbutton sensor 4.55 – an intuitive operating element that blends seamlessly into the room concept. The minimalistic switches and socket outlets of the Gira E2 design line in black matt will fit with any décor and complement the overall look. The Gira System 106 modular door communication also fits seamlessly into the puristic design concept – skilfully building a creative bridge over four centuries of architectural history. Good morning, future – or, as they say in the Netherlands, “Goedemorgen toekomst!”