Architectural statement

There is plenty of space in the expansion area IJburg for private individuals to build their own homes; in the easternmost neighbourhood, Rieteiland Oost, for example. The urban scheme on this island differs from that on the other islands that are dominated by private plots, such as Steigereiland and Kleine Rieteiland, because here IJburg’s construction consortia – and not Amsterdam city council – issue the plots and are responsible for the design and layout of the public space. The plots on Rieteiland Oost are, moreover, larger and the grid in which they are situated is less rigid.

The architect Hans van Heeswijk designed his own home here at number 1 Larikslaan. He set himself the task of designing a light and spatial house, which has resulted in an architectural statement. The
house is entirely oriented to the view over the water and the green space of Diemerpark. The simple, rectangular building volume comprises three storeys and a basement. On the street side the building looks closed and perforated aluminium panels determine the
exterior appearance. The sides and rear of the building are entirely of glass with solar protection in the form of louvres both inside and on the outside. The interior spaces are grouped around the centrally situated service block, which is entirely faced with wenge strips. The surrounding living spaces are interconnected by means of voids. Bookshelves, designed by Van Heeswijk himself, extend the full height of the house. The books lend colour and ambience to the interior space, which is dominated by concrete and glass. The furniture, door and window hardware, the fireplace, dining tables and the cooking island were designed specially for this house, as a result of which detail and architecture form a seamless whole. (ARCAM)