28-03-2017

Dutch Design Daily

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skinnySCAR www.skinnyscar.wordpress.com

skinnySCAR

By 28-03-2017

The skinnySCAR project of architect couple Gwendolyn Huisman and Marijn Boterman shows how forgotten empty spaces in the city can be upgraded to complete the urban fabric, while giving it a boost and creating possibilities for new forms of urban living for the adventurous ones.

As young designers, not limited by design traditions and conventions, they saw the potential and challenge of a narrow gap in an old Rotterdam neighborhood. The extreme proportions of the plot, only 3.4 meters wide and 20 meters deep, result in a stacked open loft typology while it was a constructional challenge. Being this narrow and long in relation to the height, a massive foundation and load bearing structure were needed. Hence an elegant solution of two parallel reinforced concrete slabs was introduced in the interior of the house. This way the openings in the facades were not limited by the constructive constraints.

The materials that are used in the interior are simple and natural. They bring warmth to the interior, without dominating the perception.

The black masonry facades are adapted to their orientation: it opens up to the garden with a two storey high glass front and panoramic windows, while it remains more private towards the public street.

Photos: Vincent van Dordrecht, Marijn Boterman, Gwendolyn Huisman
Video: BLONK film