Subtle and sleek minimalist interior enhances a dated 1920s geometric terraced townhouse for contemporary family living
Benoordenhout is a whole house refurbishment located to the north-east of The Hague city centre. Part of a terrace originally built in the 1920s in a traditionalist geometric brick style, the house was in good condition externally, but had become outdated and compartmentalised inside. Bláha Architecture + Design was commissioned by a private client to overhaul the interior, create open-plan family living and introduce a newer more striking minimalist aesthetic.
The transformation begins in the hallway. From the entrance, a straight line of sight has been redrawn past the hall and stair, under the original arch, to the kitchen using a newly poured seamless concrete floor. Glazed double doors now connect to the living room. Here, existing segregated rooms have been combined with the dining room and kitchen into a large L-shaped open space that has views out and light in from the front and back. A central kitchen island brings areas together, bridging the new concrete and restored timber floors, to create an extra social zone for family and guests to eat, drink, work and play.
Throughout the house, walls have been refreshed with new plaster and paintwork, and floors have been laid with engineered oak to match the ground floor. The bathrooms have been renovated using porcelain tiles that transfigure from floor to shower enclosure. A new roof window above the stair brings daylight through the centre of the three-storey house, while additional internal openings to the bathrooms allow borrowed light. The interior is now light, bright and spacious, but also sleek and subtle.
‘A central kitchen island brings areas together to create an extra social zone for family and guests to eat, drink, work and play.’
“We were tasked with delivering a hyper modern interior for the clients. Everything has been transformed and renewed – doors, ceilings, floors and layout. When you enter from the street the interior is a refreshing surprise that contrasts old and new in a historic part of the city.”
Annemieke Bláha, partner-in-charge