Historic Amsterdam home transformed by studio RIANKNOP
A home transformation blending modern design with historic charm, features LAUFEN in its industrial style bathroom.
22/10/2024
Located in the charming Baarsjes district of Amsterdam, Slatuinenweg is a street with deep historical roots. Dating back to 1675, the area was once a church path that linked the neighbourhood to the nearby Sloten church. Today, its distinctive buildings and their protected facades serve as a reminder of its rich past. Behind one such facade, studio RIANKNOP has reimagined a former worker’s residence into a modern, creative haven, meticulously tailored to suit the unique lifestyle of its inhabitants.
Through close collaboration with the clients, who embraced a bold and imaginative design vision, natural materials were chosen wherever possible, with birch plywood - a favourite of the clients - taking centre stage. This versatile material forms a central design language, incorporated into key elements such as the staircase, utility spaces, and bookshelves. Contrasting with this are custom-designed oak elements, including the kitchen, TV unit, and a cosy seating nook, which extends to a large window offering a direct connection to the garden.
The upper floor is cleverly divided by a wet area enclosed in ribbed glass within steel frames, balancing modernity with respect for the industrial past. It is here that the Sonar double washbasin, designed by Patricia Urquiola for LAUFEN, provides ample space for bathroom rituals.
Why did you choose to use LAUFEN?
"We also chose LAUFEN in this project because the appearance of this sanitary ware is more than just functional. In addition to the high quality, the products can often be integrated into our designs in a special way."
What makes you choose the Sonar collection?
"The distinctive yet refined design of the Sonar series fits in nicely with the distinctive design. The Sonar series is special, distinctive but not too flashy. It complements the design and fills it in, without taking over."
-Rian Knop
In addition to the main house, the garden has been designed to accommodate a multifunctional studio. Built around an existing tree, this space is used for work, yoga, and relaxation. The roof of the studio, along with the roof of the house extension, has been adapted for vegetable cultivation, creating a green oasis in the heart of the city.
Concept and design: Studio RIANKNOP
Photography: Mark Kuipers