BETA constructs the '3 generation house' in amsterdam with an open-plan façade

dutch practice, BETA office, has completed the ‘3 generation house‘ for an entire family in amsterdam. the architect was challenged to develop a building for a household comprising of a young couple, their parents and grandparents. the resulting concept creates a mini-apartment that facilitates adaptation over time for changing spatial requirements.

all images by ossip van duivenbode

the architect has split the program of the building between the generations according to their varying needs. the top floor is occupied by the grandparents and incorporates an elevator and level floors, while boasting generous views across the surroundings. the bottom apartment includes an office and a direct connection to the garden, making it ideal for a working family with young children.

as opposed to reducing the vertical circulation to a necessity, it is celebrated and occupies the heart of the building. omnipresent as a bright yellow-colored sculptural element in the lower levels, the system gradually transforms into a series of voids higher up in the building. this central access system allows a ‘surplus floor’ to be combined with either apartment. initially used as a space for guests for the topmost apartment, this space can be easily added to the lower apartment through a few elementary technical amendments.

the gradient between open and enclosed spaces in the building’s plan is emphasized in the building’s contrasting façades. the northern façade is mostly closed to reduce thermal loss and reduce sound exposure along the busy street. whereas, towards the south, the building opens up completely, maximizing passive solar gain and the connection with the outdoors. in between the two contrary façades, the program undergoes a gradual transformation, from compartmentalized in the north, to open-plan and structured with free-form elements towards the south. at which point, the building is concluded with an informal filter-like balcony layer.

the detailing of the building communicates its composition and materials honestly. hence the southern façade is clad only with minimal triple glazing window frames to underline the relationship with the outdoors. the remaining structural walls are composed of large format concrete masonry, wrapped in high-grade thermal insulation. between these walls, bare concrete slabs span 8 meters and offer a clear plane on which warmer timber elements define the space. closed and bare towards the north, light and fragile towards the south, BETA has created a composition of contrasts.

project info:

project name: ‘3 generation house’

architect: BETA office

location: buiksloterham, amsterdam, the netherlands

images: ossip van duivenbode

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edited by: lynne myers | designboom