The Herengracht, dug in 1612, is named after the Lords Rulers of the city of Amsterdam. The section between Leidsegracht and the Amstel is part of the expansion of 1658. During the last expansion, the section was constructed east of the Amstel up to the Schippersgracht, where the water flows into the IJ, Oosterdok since 1832. This part, the Nieuwe Herengracht, was just like the Nieuwe Keizersgracht and the Nieuwe Prinsengracht in the then prosperous part of Amsterdam’s Jewish quarter.
Since 1874, the Nieuwe Herengracht has been part of the waterway connection between the Amstel and the Oosterdok, respectively the IJ. Previously, this connection ran via the Zwanenburgwal and the Oudeschans. For the benefit of shipping, the stone arch bridges were replaced by movable bridges.
On the south side of the Nieuwe Herengracht a hidden loft is built in an old canal/warehouse with workshop. The canal house was built in the beginning of the 17th century. From the street the only part visible is big double garage door that marks the entrance. The loft is entered through the garage where is space for an old classic car and bikes. Adjacent to the entrance you come in at the sitting pit carried out with a luxury home cinema.
The loft is built in a former courtyard without any windows providing daylight. Central in the layout Standard Studio designed a patio in the middle of the space bringing in the daylight and adding some outdoor space. All spaces like, bedrooms, bathrooms, walk-in closet and kitchen is situated around the patio. The patio is used to organize all the different functions which still allows the space to feel very open.
To add more natural daylight six extra big roof lights are created to provide a lot of light to the spaces around the courtyard. Even though the loft is in the middle of a residential courtyard there is a lot of privacy because no direct visible connection is made through the surrounding buildings. The end result is a bright and vibrant open floor plan that suits the lifestyle of the inhabitants. Open but private.
The main eyecatcher is the kitchen and the enormous dining table, both made by Eginstill. It is always a conversation piece.
