A Crow’s Nest
The former situation of the site was a heterogenous cluster of low technical and architectural quality. Nevertheless did the client see the potential of the ensmble and bought the premise. The site lies at the border of the historic centre of the town Hattem and has fantastic views over both riverscapes and the inner town.
Skyrelated living and associations of a crow’s nest can be found in the requirements.
The original house that dates from around 1900 was renovated in the 60s and 90s can hardly be recognised after the transformation. Only the wall on the eastside is reused in the modern house.
In the design a new identity for the house is created which makes it part of a series of contemporary architecture in the area. The new situation has created a clear frontside again. Hopefully this will stimulate the development of creating a respectable public space as the entrance of town for hikers and cyclers in stead of the existing atmosphere of a waste space.
The house occupies the same volume as the original one and is extended towards the garden by continuous curved wooden beams.
Voids connect the inner spaces and offer rich views that culminate in the crow’s nest, a cantilivered panorama platform. Hereby the purposeful dealing with daylight is crucial.
The interior is designed respecting the needs of elderly with lazy stairs, respecting the environment and being flexible. Fixed working planes and storagespaces provide an arranged inner organisation.