The interior of this townhouse in Amsterdam Oud Zuid was badly outdated, and the layout also did not match the living requirements of the new owners. The basement was spacious but very low for use as living space. Moreover, it lacked a fine connection between the house and the garden. In short, time for a thorough renovation!

By rejointing the beams in the ceiling, more headroom could be created throughout the basement. This allowed the low basement to be transformed into a full-fledged living level with a fine guest room with its own bathroom and a large playroom attached to the garden. Thanks to a new facade at the rear facade, a direct connection to the garden has been created from the basement.

The bell floor was completely laid out as a living floor with a large custom kitchen and a generous kitchen island. The kitchen diner was fitted with a floor-to-ceiling harmonica façade with an adjacent new balcony and outdoor staircase to the garden. In addition to providing plenty of natural light, the new facade can be fully opened, blurring the boundary between inside and outside.

The interior strikes a perfect balance between modern and classic elements. Original details such as stair railings and decorative moldings have been preserved and combined with modern techniques and materials. A real eye-catcher are the pivot doors, executed in wood. A modern system but, thanks to the materials chosen, the doors blend flawlessly with the classic character of the building.

Photography: Wim Hanenberg