In Heemstede-Aerdenhout, a green suburban area of Haarlem characterized by many detached and semi-detached houses, this post-war home is located. The architecture is restrained and modest in character. A family from Amsterdam was looking for a place with more space and a garden, and decided to purchase the house and renovate it entirely.

The house was fitted with new window frames, floors, and insulation, bringing it fully up to date. The main ambition was to create additional living space through an extension, accommodating a generous open-plan kitchen that connects directly to the garden. Additional bedrooms and a home office were also required.

Bringing in abundant natural daylight was an important design principle, making the spaces feel more open and light. As the original house lacked distinctive architectural features, a simplified design approach was chosen to create coherence and unity. The extension is partly sunken, strengthening the connection to the garden and enhancing the sense of space. Large corner windows create long sightlines to the outdoors, including views of an old weeping willow.

The upper floors were also completely reconfigured. With a new layout, the house now contains four bedrooms and a home office. The attic has been converted into an additional bedroom.

In terms of materiality, warm wooden accents were applied in the floors, bespoke cabinetry, and window frames, giving the interior a warm and natural atmosphere. A skylight was introduced in the ceiling of the spacious kitchen, bringing additional daylight deep into the heart of the home.