Dutch Courage

Repurposing old buildings is something that Australians are good at, constantly we see old terraces and worker’s cottages transformed for modern day living. This project naturally caught my attention when I saw it was a Dutch interpretation on repurposing and with the setting for this project being a stunning and original farmhouse set in the countryside in the north of the Netherlands, it’s not difficult to see why it was chosen for redevelopment.

Through a careful program of space interpretation, the architects, Jelle de Jong Architeckten, have created a multi-use space that sympathetically inhabits the original building. The building itself has virtually remained untouched – the walls, floor and beams have all remained. Instead the designers have inserted rooms as necessary. These rooms have been left stark white to contrast and almost enhance the features of the old building while also creating a blank canvas for the fun and vibrant use of furniture. For me, the best feature is the wonderfully uneven stone floor supporting the crisp and clean new volumes. Despite their differences, the two narratives work hand in hand to create the character of the house. More than anything else, this type of project displays that any building has merit and value beyond its intended use and that if done with courage and care the result can be spectacular.

farmhouse by Jelle de Jong Architeckten

farmhouse by Jelle de Jong Architeckten

farmhouse by Jelle de Jong Architeckten

farmhouse by Jelle de Jong Architeckten

farmhouse by Jelle de Jong Architeckten

farmhouse by Jelle de Jong Architeckten

farmhouse by Jelle de Jong Architeckten

farmhouse by Jelle de Jong Architeckten

farmhouse by Jelle de Jong Architeckten

farmhouse by Jelle de Jong Architeckten

farmhouse by Jelle de Jong Architeckten

farmhouse by Jelle de Jong Architeckten

farmhouse by Jelle de Jong Architeckten

farmhouse by Jelle de Jong Architeckten

farmhouse by Jelle de Jong Architeckten

farmhouse by Jelle de Jong Architeckten

farmhouse by Jelle de Jong Architeckten

farmhouse by Jelle de Jong Architeckten

farmhouse by Jelle de Jong Architeckten

farmhouse by Jelle de Jong Architeckten

images Jelle de Jong Architeckten

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