IJsselzig

A house has been built on the dike along the Hollandse IJssel, overlooking the water. The side facing the IJssel is kept transparent to maximize the view, while the dike side has a more restrained, closed character to ensure privacy.

The house blends in with the surrounding dike houses in terms of form, but takes on a contemporary character through clean detailing. Warm colors and materials in matching tones were chosen: a brick façade and a copper roof. This creates a unified, cohesive volume. In contrast, the interior is kept very light.

The interior was designed in cooperation with NEST atchitects. A wooden core organises the internal spaces and comprises the staircases, storerooms and other facilities. Consequently, the rest of the plan can freely be utilized.

All living and sleeping areas are positioned on the IJssel side, while the supporting spaces are organized along the dike side. On the upper floor, all bedrooms have views of the IJssel.

To bring daylight into the rooms on the “supporting” side, a light scoop has been introduced, which brings in indirect grazing light. This allows the rest of the roof to remain clean and uncluttered.

Due to the orientation and placement of the façade openings, the building itself participates in the energy management: the open side is the north side where light enters but sun doesn’t. The more closed side is the south side and the heat build-up is limited here. Supplemented with extra insulated walls, a heat pump and solar panels, this makes for a very durable home.