Alexander Petrounine.

Status: Completed
Location: Wassenaar, NL
Client: Private
Original architect: Lucas & Niemeijer (1978)
Size: 270 m²
Program: Refurbishment and extension
Project Architect: ForeArchent
Design Team: Christof Schwencke, Alexander Petrounine
Contractor: Taco Zwolsman
Structural engineer: Pieters Bouwtechniek
Consulting engineering firm: Metz BV
Photography: Alexander Petrounine

The project consists of a ground floor extension into the garden, a loft extension in the sloped roof, and general external as well as a few internal interventions. Inspired by the vast green environment, a south-facing garden, and view-lines that extended as far as the horizon.

The existing house lacked this highly potential contact with its surroundings, thus our challenge was to realise a stronger relationship with the garden; creating at the same time more light, and gaining more usable surface area by means of a series of additive operations.

The ground floor extension is divided into two parts; one extending into the garden, enhancing the view line towards the horizon, and the other aligning with the existing garden wall. The horizontal overhang unites the volume, as well as bringing outside and inside closer together. By cladding the ground floor extension with light coloured ceramic brick slips, we make a subtle distinction between the existing and the new - respecting the existing hierarchy of the façade.

The loft dormer offers a new and enhanced relationship with the surroundings. By removing a structural wall, and adding two skylights, we created a ‘panoramic room’ offering vast uninterrupted views.