blackened timber clads arjen reas architects' dyke house in the netherlands

in the dutch village of lijnden, arjen reas architects has realized ‘house akerdijk’ for a single family. due to the site position on the akerdijk dyke, the project challenged the design team to create a building that embraces views out across the water and works with the level difference that is present because of the embankment. 

early evening shot of the front façade

all images © luc buthker

the form of the building has been designed by arjen reas architects to reflect the context and conditions of the site. a steeply pitched roof mirrors the adjacent house but the new intervention also takes on a more contemporary expression by means of the black wooden ventilated façade and the black metal standing seam clad roof. the front elevation is punctured by two large protruding windows, which offer views over the water. 

the entrance from the dyke

to the rear of the house, a large glazed façade opens out to a deep garden and the city of amsterdam in the distance. this expansive window works to emphasize the horizontality of the broad ground floor while also blurring the line between indoor and outdoor space, effectively making the interior of the house feel larger than it actually is. 

back view of the terrace

the program of house akerdijk is split over two storys. due to the difference in ground elevation, the first floor is split in two levels, with an office and tv room on the dyke level and through a wide staircase you can reach the sitting area with the kitchen, where there is a view of the deep back garden and adjoining terrace. on the first floor, the family has two kid’s rooms, two bathrooms and a large master bedroom with a view out across the dyke.

room to read/watch tv or just to relax

height differences because of the dyke

main stairway with a direct entrance to the living

open connection from the bedroom to the bathroom

bedroom view

view from the dyke

early evening view from the dyke

view from the rear

view of the front elevation across the water

project info:

project name: house akerdijk

location: lijnden, netherlands

architect: arjen reas architects 

client: private

phase: build

year: 2019

photographer: luc buthker

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: lynne myers | designboom