By using ArchDaily, you agree to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

If you want to make the best of your experience on our site, sign-up.

By using ArchDaily, you agree to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

If you want to make the best of your experience on our site, sign-up.

Transformation House / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker

Save

Transformation House / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker - Interior Photography, Dining room, Table, ChairTransformation House / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker - Exterior Photography, WindowsTransformation House / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker - Interior Photography, Table, Chair, WindowsTransformation House / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker - Exterior Photography, BrickTransformation House / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker - More Images+ 17

More SpecsLess Specs
Transformation House / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker - Exterior Photography, Windows
© Bas Gijselhart

Text description provided by the architects. Just south of Wirdum is a striking transformer house. The transformer house was built in the 1920s in an expressionist architectural style. It was originally built to house the transformer that had to supply Wirdum and the surrounding area with power. The special details make this transformer house a unique building that is part of Dutch cultural heritage. Before we started working on it, it had been empty for more than 20 years and the former owner wanted to demolish the building. We have converted the building into a contemporary hiker's cabin with a magnificent view of the surrounding landscape.

Transformation House / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker - Exterior Photography, Brick
© Bas Gijselhart
Transformation House / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker - Image 21 of 22
Section
Transformation House / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker - Exterior Photography, Windows, Door, Facade
© Bas Gijselhart

Since the small internal floor plan did not provide enough space to comfortably accommodate the new function, we decided to expand the building. The large protruding masonry surfaces have been sawn on three sides. Three bay windows with fine detailing have been mounted against the building at the location of the newly created openings. Different materialization and detailing have been chosen to respect the existing building and to enhance it with contemporary elements.

Transformation House / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker - Interior Photography, Table, Chair, Windows
© Bas Gijselhart
Transformation House / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker - Interior Photography, Dining room, Table, Chair
© Bas Gijselhart
Transformation House / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker - Interior Photography, Table, Chair, Windows
© Bas Gijselhart

This "explosion" of the transformer house creates space and light. Two elements were essential to make a new function possible. We have brought the inside out and the outside in. Literally, light, which is further enhanced by the use of light materials.

Transformation House / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker - Interior Photography, Dining room, Chair
© Bas Gijselhart
Transformation House / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker - Image 20 of 22
Floor plan
Transformation House / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker - Interior Photography, Dining room, Chair, Stairs
© Bas Gijselhart

The bay windows consist of prefabricated floors and roofs with the construction of Cross Laminated Timber on steel beams. The end facade surfaces are filled in with hardened and insulated glass. These glass surfaces frame the landscape like paintings. The sides are covered with galvanized steel panels with slats, which refer to the cooling fins of a transformer. These slats direct the rainwater from the roof evenly to the earth via the sides. Ventilation is also provided on these closed sides.

Transformation House / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker - Interior Photography
© Bas Gijselhart

The original tiled floor has been preserved as much as possible and is part of the simple materialization of the interior. The interior is regarded as one large wooden piece of furniture, with fine contemporary detailing. The existing wooden ceiling has been removed to make way for a mezzanine with space for a generous double bed. The chimney has a special role. Where it used to serve to get gases out of the building, it will now be provided with a glass cover to get a new function as a skylight.

Transformation House / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker - Interior Photography, Sink, Bathroom, Windows
© Bas Gijselhart
Transformation House / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker - Interior Photography, Bathroom, Windows, Chair
© Bas Gijselhart

With these subtle interventions, we have saved the characteristic transformer house from demolition and made it suitable for use again for the next 100 years by transforming it into a hiker's hut.

Transformation House / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker - Exterior Photography, Door
© Bas Gijselhart

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:9088 Wirdum, The Netherlands

Click to open map
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Transformation House / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker" 02 May 2021. ArchDaily. Accessed 19 Dec 2024. <https://www.archdaily.com/960971/transformation-house-lautenbag-architectuur> ISSN 0719-8884
Saint-Gobain is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to or reliance on any information contained on this site. No guarantee is given by Saint-Gobain that the information is correct, complete or up-to-date or will not infringe any copyright or other intellectual property right and Saint-Gobain does not endorse any of the information contained on this site. Although the ArchDaily website may provide links to other internet resources, including web sites, Saint-Gobain is not responsible for the accuracy or content of information in these sites. Links from the ArchDaily website to third-party sites do not constitute an endorsement by Saint-Gobain of the parties or their products or services.

© Bas Gijselhart

荷兰文化遗产“变电房”改造 / Lautenbag Architectuur + De Stadsmeubelmaker

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.