Located on , 40+ hectare industrial site in the northern Dutch city of Zaandam, Amsterdam-based interior architecture practice have transformed a monumental industrial building into the home and studio for an artist couple dubbed Ketelhuis (‘boilerhouse’).
The substantial volume of the building has been divided into two levels allowing for different functions – an office and a workshop on the ground, a gallery space and a home on the first floor. The two levels are connected by two sculptural staircases, one which leads to the home through the kitchen, while the other brings visitors from the workshop directly to the gallery space.
Overall, Ketelhuis interior feels a bit cool, but also grounded and welcoming, defined by three main finishes – white paint, solid oak and brass. Close to the entrance is the big gallery space designed as a minimal vessel able to accommodate various types of events, leaving plenty of room to the imagination. White industrial beams preside over herringbone timber floors, while the three large ceiling openings that previously accommodated chimneys have been replaced with glass portholes that now become skylights.
During events and presentations, this grand gallery space is serviced by an unconventional open kitchen that’s also part of the main home. The central island bench is crafted entirely in brass, housing cabinets on all four sides, topped with a stainless-steel work surface. Custom made bronze handles and pull-out timber shelves add a special element to the design.
The back of the kitchen is a system of open white shelves leaning on the transparent glass box, acting as the screen to the main entrance. Large oak table and a set of vintage Eames dining chairs sit under an art piece – a handmade kayak converted into a warm light pendant which hangs upside-down above the entire length of the table.
The living room features a wood-burning stove, alongside a series of timber objects and vintage furniture pieces that lend the space a feeling of deep warmth.
Travelling through the hallway via sliding doors to the guest room, walk-in robe and bathrooms camouflage with the walls. At the end of the corridor, the ceiling almost doubles in height and the master bedroom reveals itself. This spacious room is kept simple – bathed in natural light and lots of different plant species, an enchanted atmosphere is created.
A balcony-like mezzanine space hosts a free-standing bathtub with a skylight overhead allowing for stargazing while taking a bath.
At Ketelhuis residence, gallery space & artist studio, Studio Modijefsky have designed each area to complement the original industrial building, while enhancing the designated use of every room. Here, the everyday rituals and mundane tasks are elevated into the extraordinary.
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