Mansion in Kralingen

Amalgamation and conversion of nineteenth-century mansion in Kralingen

A thorough renovation by Euroconstruct turned two former homes on Avenue Concordia into a city palace for consultant Leon. With the extension with glass frontage at the rear of the house, FOAM realized a real eye-catcher that also provides a welcome sea of light in the house and a wide view of the beautiful garden.

Leon approached FOAM architects early in the process. “When I was still in the negotiation phase of the purchase, we already went here together to look. There was an immediate click with the architects Sander and Joren, and it remained that way throughout the process. I had strong ideas, they did a great job of interpreting them.”

“A dark, outdated house became a spacious and light home.”

To achieve that beautiful infill of the property, considerable intervention was necessary. Because of the house’s severe misalignment – a 15-centimeter gradient on the floors – all floors were completely demolished and rebuilt. Despite this, much of the new design is based on the original layout of the mansion. Other authentic elements are the stairs between floors and the fireplace in the living room. It is precisely these elements that Leon fell for. “There was a fairly modern fireplace drawn into the design, but I really wanted to keep an old, original fireplace. It did! From two old fireplaces from other rooms of the house, one beautiful fireplace was made in the new place know.”

Leon very much wanted a kitchen island in his home. To create enough space around it, the kitchen’s cabinetry was ingeniously incorporated into the staircase. Joren: “That keeps it from looking massive. We combined architectural work with furniture work in that design.

Leon is more than satisfied: the design, remodeling and interior design exceeded his expectations. He displays the extension with the most pride; it is his favorite element of the home. “You can see that fantastic garden there, seen from the two lower floors. From a dark house, it has become spacious and light.” Despite his obvious wishes and his own tastes, Leon is very pleased with the architects’ input: “FOAM has respect for the type of building and for the client’s wishes. His can turn this into a harmonious overall picture. I’ve lived here for a year now and it’s still a treat to wake up here.”

Photography: Nicoline Rodenburg