Dwelling Extension | LYVR architectuur & interieur

Commissioned by a private client in 2009 LYVR made the design for the extension of a 1900 dwelling in the historical town of Groningen in The Netherlands. The client planned a view years for the realization of the project, so the assignment initially consisted of 2 roof terraces adjacent to the rear alley that functions as an extension of the first floor living area. Underneath there is storage space and a mezzanine floor above the car garage.

The roof terrace is a continuation of the 'folded' bamboo floor of the living room. Hardwood parts are rolled outwards and fold where space is required under the terrace. First there is an intimate terrace is that can be reached via a new balcony. Partly under the terrace there is also an small shed for the barbecue and garden furniture and tools. Through a number of steps the larger "social terrace” is reached. The orientation of the terrace is south-west and offers direct view at the monumental „Der A Church” and the „Acadamy of Arts” by Dutch architect Piet Blom. At the alley side the facade of the underlying new mezzanine consists of Eternit cladding. The windows are accented by protruding frameworks.

The terrace offers clear view on the north side on a small green zone that is property of the municipality of Groningen. On the south side it is adjacent to the terrace of the neighbors, at about the same level. On that side planters are positioned to create privacy in a friendly way by small trees. The railings on the inside of the terrace, which overlooks the living room, are shaped by mesh fencing, as the existing fencing in the interior of the house. Large pots with plants and trees form a green surrounding.

Located below is the mezzanine floor that functions as a Bed and Breakfast. This floor is accessible from the ground floor and is strictly separated from the private area. The current bathroom is reduced slightly in such a way that the B&B can be entered via the front door without disturbing the private area of the residents. On the ground floor level below there is space for carparking, bikes and firewood. The facade acts as an intermediary between the floor and lively patio and alley. The windows are in fact doors that are storeyhigh and that can be cleansed from the inside out. The floor has an overhang above the garage door; in this way it acts like a added light box in the alley.

The main structure of the expansion of the mezzanine floor consists of a steel structure that is founded independently from the existing dwelling. The terrace above the bathroom, back entrance and the balcony are supported by the existing structure. The design was created in such a way that the building could be completed in phases, partly by the owner himself.