concrete and a flexible plan characterize W design's home studio

concrete and a flexible plan characterize W design’s home studio
above: image © dook for visi 

it was a transformative experience when johan and grete van as bought the property that would eventually become their studio. the land, and the structure upon it, once belonged to an old man that after years of upkeep, could no longer handle the structure. time pressed onwards, setting in motion a steady drip of decay that claimed rooms one by one. as each space fell, the steward simply moved on, sealing its fate with one final shut of the door. eventually, there were none more left to shut.

indigenous grasses and trees border spaces designated for future structures 
image © dook for visi

upon their arrival, the van as’ acquired home was little more then a heap of rubble. demolition was the only reasonable solution, but doing so caused the couple to reflect upon the inevitability that nothing, not even a place as cherished as a home, lasts forever. with the help of johan wentzel, of W design architecture studio, the clients began exploring the concept of longevity. their experimentations resulted in a simple solution, take away personality and its attachments, and reduce until no longer possible. the essential, they agreed, would last.

the core of the building, accommodates services such as electricity, water, and rainwater pipes
image © dook for visi

the home is defined by a single, elevated concrete box that lies north-south on the plot. using the unit as a starting point, different planning scenarios were created that allows for the structure to adapt over time. for instance, the second floor kitchen possesses hookups necessary for a second bedroom with bath in situ. while one would inevitably need to be destroyed for the other to surface, it would be far less expensive and time consuming then a full remodel.

the ground floor’s open plan functions as either a dining room or a boardroom
image © dook for visi

concrete was chosen for its materiality instead of its aesthetics. not only is it durable, but maintenance is essentially non existent, meaning it will likely look impeccable for generations to come. deep overhangs protect the home from strong sunlight, and measures were taken to create maximum natural air circulation throughout.

the upstairs features a bedroom and studio space, separated by a central core with kitchen and bathroom
image © dook for visi

bedroom
image © dook for visi

a service ladder gives access to the roof space with extended views over the city
image © dook for visi

conceptual sketch
image © dook for visi

diagrammatic plans 
image © dook for visi

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom