studio RIANKNOP transforms a historical Amsterdam home with a bold, colorful design, featuring natural materials, sustainable green spaces, and playful elements.

In Amsterdam’s Baarsjes district lies Slatuinenweg, a street boasting a rich tapestry of history and character that was once used as a pathway to a church in the Sloten municipality. Unique buildings that date back to 1675 line the street, all with protected facades and deep gardens that harken back to the days when these plots sustained the neighborhood with fresh produce. Behind one of those distinct facades is a modern home renovation taken on by studio RIANKNOP.

When studio RIANKNOP took on the 87-square-meter project, they approached it as a blank canvas. The directive from the homeowners was clear: embrace bold statements and explore deep conceptual ideas. The result is a home that not only meets but exceeds these expectations, embodying the spirit and personality of its creative inhabitants.
Central to the design is the use of natural materials, particularly the homeowner’s favorite ? birch plywood. This versatile material forms the core of the home’s facilities, from the staircase and bathroom, to storage and open shelving. The massive stacked birch unit contrasts beautifully with custom elements built out of oak, such as the kitchen, TV unit, and a cozy seating nook that connects to the garden through a window that opens upward, inviting the outside in.

The upper floor continu...