Walking through Amsterdam’s city center is always a delight because of the beautiful architecture and canals. Luckily we have the opportunity to see a typical canal house which dates from 1752, and used to be a sugar refinery two and a half centuries ago. Standard Studio did the full renovation and interior design for this monument on the unesco-protected canals.
Situated on the Bloemgracht the loft house covers an area of 150 square meters. When the client, a young stockbroker bought the house, it was completely covered in plasterboard, lowered ceilings, and lots of tiny rooms without a clear function. The goal of Standard was to create the opposite; an open-plan interior for the real ‘loft’ feel.
The apartment was completely gutted and given a new look, yet the traditional essence and structure remained. The wooden beams create warmth and a sense of nostalgia, which, when combined with the modern design results in a harmonious beautiful interior. The materials used were all very basic; concrete, oiled oak, and unfinished hot-rolled steel. It gives a beautiful contrast with the plants, loose furniture, and art.
In the front of the house, the facade side with a view of the Bloemgracht (meaning “flower canal”) the architects, Wouter Slot & Jurjen van Hulzen designed the living room and on a split level the bar and dining area. There’s a great kitchen made from mat powder-coated steel with marble tops and perfectly integrated high-end equipment. On the backside of the kitchen wall, they created a walk-in closet and bathroom with 2 rainfall showers. This all together is one of two functional units in this open plan layout. The other multi-functional unit is created in the corner next to the entrance and holds the sauna, spa, shower, and restroom.
The remaining space is the bedroom, office, and bathing area (with a freestanding bath) in one. A multi-functional big black book is holding the library, the bed, and art. And it can close it all off with sliding doors nicely detailed away in this bespoke furniture piece.
