Quay house IJburg
IJburg exists out of a number of islands in the IJ lake and is situated east of Amsterdam. On one of the islands, called Rieteiland, a DIY-building lots have been released by residential foundation De Key. The quay of the island is characterized by a large variety of free lot residential houses. On one of these DIY-lots studio PROTOTYPE designed a modest residential building as a modern translation of the traditional quay houses.
In the center of the building a mass and a void are created. The void has been designed as a high and sacral space, creating connection and interaction between the multiple levels and spaces in the house. The mass organizes and shares the building in a front and back house. The core is being pierced by the stairs, which playfully connects the different spaces, from living areas to the bed rooms.
The balance between the masses of the stairs and the lightness of the void can be felt clearly from different positions in the house. Modest hues and materials have been chosen to connect in color and tactility of the base material concrete. As a result, this created synergy between color and texture of the chosen materials and finishing—a serene atmosphere arises. In combination with the dramatic light, the core of the house becomes a space for reflection and serenity.
