There’s something really special about the area of Nieuw Leyden in the Netherlands- the former industrial area is full of houses designed by different architects. What’s so interesting about that? Well, as part of the urban plan, private home owners are really encouraged to use the area as an experimental housing zone. The owners have free reign in the design and completion of their homes. Located side by side and in any style they choose, here are a few of the most interesting, original and ever growing designs. The V-House designed by GAAGA has a caved roof that creates it’s v-shaped profile. At first glance from the outside, this house gives the illusion that it has one floor, this is due to the positioning of the windows. However, the inside has a whole different story.
This V-House is part of an ensemble of eight houses, grouped together but completely individual and not connected architecturally.
Architects, 24H, designed this Canyon house with the aim to let the sunlight flood in. This house stands within a block of 18 houses all designed by different architects. Depending on your taste you will either love it or hate it. What do you think?
Canyon house by 24H, love it or hate it?
Rotterdam based studio, Pasel Kuenzel Architects have a series of eleven town houses in the area. The narrow glazed area at the back is the entrance which separates it from the completely different building behind.
Close confines: dwellings are divided by a narrow space
Because there are no regulations of the beauty commission, home owners are allowed to do anything as long as it’s within their allocated space. We’re looking forward to see what new and exciting things will take place in this architectural museum of the Netherlands. By Anna Shelswell-White
