House JE

Every room has an own identity that is based on its historical character, complemented with design elements and contemporary furniture. The ultimate representation of this approach is reflected in the children’s bedrooms that are installed in the attic of the main building. Because the attic must be able to be restored in its original form at all times, dmvA had to be creative. Fixed bedrooms were not an option, so Japanese-inspired sleeping boxes were used as a solution. Because of their guillotine system the boxes can easily shift from open rooms to private spots. The gaps between the boxes are finished with mirrors, so that the trusses of the attic are visually extended.

The historic trusses throughout the house are restored and the ones that were too worn out are plastered. The spiral staircase, which was closed off for years, is now open and is one of the eye catchers in the house. Terracotta tiles are used for the entire floor of the house and the ones at the attic are still in their original state. The contemporary details are minimalistic & clean to balance out the historic elements. The new windows of the annex are for instance executed in subtle steel and the frequent use of white harmonizes with the red warm floor. This results in a successful effort to create a contemporary home guided by the historical lines of the convent. It is architecture with a future that serves the past.