- Project: AB House
- Architect: Space Encounters
- Location: Netherlands, Broek op Langedijk
- Year: 2023
- Area: 240 m2
- Photography: Lorenzo Zandri
A Modern Transformation Rooted in Dutch Tradition
Nestled in the water-rich landscape of Broek op Langedijk, AB House by Space Encounters reimagines a typical 1980s suburban home into a bold, contemporary family residence. Surrounded by canals and lush greenery, the project bridges the architectural language of traditional Dutch homes—pitched roofs, brick façades, simple geometries—with a modern interpretation defined by precision, minimalism, and material contrast.
This transformation is not about starting over but about building upon the past. By retaining the ground floor structure and extending vertically, the architects respected the original footprint while introducing new spatial qualities and visual coherence.
A Dialogue Between Old and New
The existing house provided the foundation for a more expressive composition. The new design introduces a steeply pitched roof clad in corrugated aluminum, creating a striking silhouette that redefines the familiar suburban typology.
The upper volume hovers above the original base, supported by a robust black steel structure that distinguishes the new from the old. This floating extension allows for deep overhangs and shaded outdoor spaces that connect to the surrounding landscape. The ground level, composed of white-painted brick, grounds the house, while the first floor wrapped in steel mesh offers a sense of privacy and softness against the metallic sheen of the roof.
The result is an elegant balance of lightness and solidity, where modern expression enhances rather than erases history.
Interior Layout: Layers of Openness and Shelter
The plan is designed to encourage both openness and intimacy. On the ground floor, large openings frame views of water and greenery, connecting the living and dining areas seamlessly with the garden. Generous glazing brings daylight deep into the interior while maintaining a feeling of calm enclosure.
On the upper level, the atmosphere shifts. Bedrooms and private areas are lined with natural wood finishes, creating warmth and tranquility beneath the dynamic roofline. The interplay between openness and protection—between glass and solid surfaces—gives the home its distinctive spatial rhythm.
Material Palette and Detailing
Every material choice reinforces the architectural dialogue. The white brick façade evokes traditional Dutch craftsmanship, while the corrugated aluminum roof adds an industrial sharpness that catches light throughout the day. The steel mesh veil subtly filters sunlight and views, changing its transparency as the light shifts.
Even functional elements are elevated to design features: the rainwater gutter becomes a sculptural steel beam, expressing the building’s tectonic honesty. Details are crisp and minimal, allowing structure and proportion to define the home’s character.
Sustainable Reuse and Smart Expansion
The AB House embodies sustainability through adaptation rather than replacement. By preserving the existing ground floor and expanding upward, Space Encounters minimized material waste and embodied carbon. The compact footprint retains the garden’s green surface while the new roof improves insulation and ventilation.
Natural light, shading, and cross-ventilation strategies ensure comfort without excessive energy use. The home’s evolution demonstrates how renewal can be both efficient and poetic, merging environmental intelligence with architectural craft.
Living in the Landscape
In this Dutch landscape of water, reflection, and openness, AB House becomes a landmark of subtle confidence. It maintains harmony with its context yet speaks in a distinctly modern voice. The transformation reveals how thoughtful design can connect architecture, history, and environment into a cohesive and timeless whole.
