VILLA VREELAND - MONUMENT VREEDENHOEK

The residents of this historic monument had very clear wishes regarding the transformation of their newly acquired home. The authentic character had to be preserved, but with a modern twist and aesthetic, and the living space needed to be expanded with a beautiful garden room overlooking the Vecht River.

The approval process with the heritage committee was challenging, largely due to the misconception that the extensions added by a previous owner in 1979 were original. When it was revealed that these additions had actually originated from a church in Haarlem, the monument was restored to its true status, and the extension was allowed to proceed.

The heritage committee encouraged a more thoughtful approach rather than simply attaching a glass box to the monument. We chose to replicate the original tripartite division, slightly detaching the three new volumes from the existing house to allow natural light to highlight the original façade. In terms of materials, we continued the tradition of stucco finishes and a floor of brick pavers.

The result: an extension that doesn’t feel like an addition at all.

VILLA VREELAND - MONUMENT VREEDENHOEK

The residents of this historic monument had very clear wishes regarding the transformation of their newly acquired home. The authentic character had to be preserved, but with a modern twist and aesthetic, and the living space needed to be expanded with a beautiful garden room overlooking the Vecht River.

The approval process with the heritage committee was challenging, largely due to the misconception that the extensions added by a previous owner in 1979 were original. When it was revealed that these additions had actually originated from a church in Haarlem, the monument was restored to its true status, and the extension was allowed to proceed.

The heritage committee encouraged a more thoughtful approach rather than simply attaching a glass box to the monument. We chose to replicate the original tripartite division, slightly detaching the three new volumes from the existing house to allow natural light to highlight the original façade. In terms of materials, we continued the tradition of stucco finishes and a floor of brick pavers.

The result: an extension that doesn’t feel like an addition at all.