Canal House by i29 Architects

ByJon Dykstra Houses

A photo which shows the entrance of the house.

Interior design: i29 Architects
Object: Canal House Amsterdam
Size: 115 m2
Restoration: Kodde
Contractor: G.K. Visbeen & Co.
Interior builder: Schneider Interieurbouw
Photo’s: Ewout Huibers

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About Studio

An award-winning design office for interior and architecture projects. We deliver progressive work that stands out for its simplicity. In a digitizing world, we shape the physical experiences around us; clear, effective, and surprising.

The great diversity in our portfolio gives us the possibility to think “out of the box” and to work inclusive for all kinds of clients and users. We do not provide standard solutions, but we do apply standardized working methods to guarantee quality, efficiency, and creativity. We are constantly changing to make relevant work in collaboration with our clients.

We make places with a strong identity that speaks loud and clear. We consciously bring each assignment back to the core and strive to create work that inspires a better future. Working on renovations of monumental heritage gives the opportunity to reuse qualities from the past to the present.

Working on new construction developments learns to look ahead and to work future-proof. Both perspectives inspire us to get the best out of every challenge.

These brand-new, thoughtfully planned interventions were specifically created for this 17th-century home.
These brand-new, thoughtfully planned interventions were specifically created for this 17th-century home.
In the living area, the same gray color is carried over in a fabric wall covering for acoustics.
In the living area, the same gray color is carried over in a fabric wall covering for acoustics.
The design blends seamlessly into the surroundings.
The design blends seamlessly into the surroundings.
Also improves the house and makes it ready for the following generation.
Also improves the house and makes it ready for the following generation.
The ground floor's kitchen area is decorated with white concrete, light-colored walls, and a custom-made oak kitchen and dining table.
The ground floor’s kitchen area is decorated with white concrete, light-colored walls, and a custom-made oak kitchen and dining table.
The wall, seats, and dining table are all made of wood.
The wall, seats, and dining table are all made of wood.
A green glass volume that you pass through indicates a secret guest room.
A green glass volume that you pass through indicates a secret guest room.
A combination of wood, concrete, and glass materials may be found in the kitchen area.
A combination of wood, concrete, and glass materials may be found in the kitchen area.
You can see the distinction between concrete and wood as you get closer to the sink.
You can see the distinction between concrete and wood as you get closer to the sink.
A wall of oak with a gray stain that serves as a lovely entrance to the rooms above.
A wall of oak with a gray stain serves as a lovely entrance to the rooms above.
As you go upstairs in this house, a circular staircase is present.
As you go upstairs in this house, a circular staircase is present.
There is a secret reading or relaxation area in the living room hidden behind the revolving book wall.
There is a secret reading or relaxation area in the living room hidden behind the revolving book wall.
A concealed guest room with access to the yard and an en suite bathroom that is completely furnished.
A concealed guest room with access to the yard and an en suite bathroom that is completely furnished.
You reach the sleeping areas upstairs, where the decor exudes comfort and luxury like a real hotel setting.
You reach the sleeping areas upstairs, where the decor exudes comfort and luxury like a real hotel setting.
This bedroom has a triangle-shaped ceiling and an all-white color scheme.
This bedroom has a triangle-shaped ceiling and an all-white color scheme.
A wall made of oak with a gray stain separates the study area above from the kitchen visually.
A wall made of oak with a gray stain separates the study area above from the kitchen visually.
Due to the natural lighting, the study space is bright, and the matcha color complements the surroundings nicely.
Due to the natural lighting, the study space is bright, and the matcha color complements the surroundings nicely.
A mirrored volume that houses the stairs and shower area divides the bathroom from the master bedroom, which still has its original roof structure.
A mirrored volume that houses the stairs and shower area divides the bathroom from the master bedroom, which still has its original roof structure.
Two-way mirrors are used in the shower walls, providing a clear view of the canals.
Two-way mirrors are used in the shower walls, providing a clear view of the canals.
The next bathroom has a freestanding, wooden sink that matches the traditional Japanese bath.
The next bathroom has a freestanding, wooden sink that matches the traditional Japanese bath.

Amsterdam-based studio i29 converted a neglected 17th-century canal house into a bright home with unexpected views and room for discovery. The house is located along the canals near Amstelveld, originally constructed in 1675. Over the years the house had been fallen into almost complete ruin, the renovation took more than 2 years and was executed in collaboration with a team of specialists.

The new interior highlights different areas in color which gives a new perspective on the monument. Original details are variously exposed or hidden in colorful rooms. To create unexpected sight lines and a spatial experience, the different spaces are connected by allowing color or finish to continue from one space to another.

In contrast to the existing structure, new interventions and finishes by i29 are clearly recognizable. The kitchen space on the ground floor is finished in white concrete, light walls, and a custom-designed oak kitchen and dining table. As you walk through, a green glass volume marks a hidden guest room that is fully equipped with an en-suite bathroom and access to the garden.

The kitchen is visually connected to the study room above through a gray-stained oak wall, which also forms a beautiful entrance to the rooms above. The same gray continues in the living room but in a fabric wall covering for acoustics. Behind the rotating book wall in the living room is another hidden area completely in a calming blue finish to read or relax.

Upstairs you enter the sleeping quarters, where the design radiates comfort and luxury like a true hotel experience. The master bedroom with its original roof construction is separated from the bathroom by a mirrored volume that encloses both the stairwell and shower area. The shower walls are constructed with two-way mirrors, which give a direct view of the canals.

The adjacent bathroom has a traditional Japanese bath and a freestanding matching sink in wood. All new and clearly designed interventions are tailor-made for this 17th-century house, so it fits completely within the existing environment, but also raises the house to a higher level and is ready for the next generation.

By Jon Dykstra · See their LinkedIn.