S-HOUSE
The clients desired a family townhouse with high-quality outdoor space in Steigereiland, one of IJburg's islands. However, the north-facing garden posed a challenge. To reach this demand, VMX employed a typological approach, merging two classical designs: the patio villa and the manor house, or Domus. To maximise sunlight both inside and outside, a double-height patio was created on the south facade. This opening allows abundant light to enter the house across
two levels, which host the living areas. Thus, on the south façade, the double-height patio is the only opening in this large yellow wall, emphasising the unique character of this house.
The S-house is clad in bright yellow tiles, making it unique and stand out among its neighbours. The home is organized into three horizontal sections. The ground floor functions as a basement, housing the entrance, storage, and a large playroom that opens to the garden.
The heart of the house, the kitchen, is located in the double-height space next to the elevated patio. Above the kitchen lies the lounge, offering views of both the garden and the street. The upper floor is dedicated to the bedrooms and bathroom.
In Amsterdam, vertical stacking is often a solution for space limitations. This project creatively combines this vertical organisation with a spacious indoor-outdoor area facing south, accessible from both the living space and the kitchen. They successfully blend functions for a dynamic family with the redesign of a classic Amsterdam building.
