studio AAAN plans a two-story house around a central patio space in rotterdam

in rotterdam, the netherlands, studio AAAN has realized a two-story dwelling with a double-curved green roof and an indoor-outdoor patio space. aptly called ‘the patio house’, the residence is situated within a new neighborhood of the city, one which was created on the former hockey fields of leonidas and which has high ambitions of sustainability.

the dwellings of this new neighborhood do not hide behind tall hedges and fences but together form a colorful collection in a green urban setting. the patio house also embraces this idea as both the garden and living quarters with large windows face the street on the south side. subsequently, the living spaces are arranged around a patio: a segment of the garden where privacy can be found as well as shelter from noise and wind.

studio AAAN stacks and arranges the program to afford comfortable living areas with big window openings, generous spaces, and intimate rooms. on the first floor, the open plan kitchen, dining, and living areas are arranged around the patio. this spatial ensemble gives each space views through the patio and to the other parts of the house. the patio, as a result, becomes part of the interior and serves as a connecting element. 

to draw sunlight into the heart of the house at the right time of day, one room on the second floor is an outdoor room. here the shape of the roof comes down to its lowest point to optimize daylight to the patio. this makes for the specific shape of the house and results in a double-curved green roof, supported by meandering joists. finally, the patio house is clad in vertical slats of light-colored timber that help visually root the building to the site.

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project info:

name: the patio house

location: rotterdam, the netherlands

client: private

architect: studio AAAN

contractor: f. van meijeren b.v. structural engineer: a. de lange adviesbureau

photography: sebastian van damme