Deventer House
Location: Deventer, the Netherlands
Type: Private House
Client: Private
Team:: Marieke Kums, Julia Boromisza
Jelmer Buurma, Arthur Claus
Christiaan Harmse, Thanasis Ikomonou,
Susie Newman, Adriana Suarez, Mira Brethouwer
Photos: Christian van der Kooy
The clients had many dreams and ambitions for their new home, but the number of square meters they could build was limited. This constraint became the starting point for a house that makes use of every available centimeter—not only of its open spaces, but also of the building mass itself: its walls, floors, and in-between spaces. The aim was to create a home that feels sturdy and solid on the outside, yet open, light, and spacious within.
The result is a compact house organized around a series of clearly defined open spaces, surrounded by an activated building mass that incorporates functions such as wardrobes, a toilet, stairs, seating areas, storage, and niches. Carefully positioned openings connect these spaces both horizontally and vertically, creating unexpected views and bringing daylight deep into the house. In this way, the solid and open parts of the building work together, giving the compact home a surprising sense of generosity and space.