SH House by Baksvanwengerden Architecten

In a row of look-alike residential houses of a quiet village proudly stands SH House with its explosive daring and departure from convention. Located in Bentveld of The Netherlands, SH House is the brainchild of Baksvanwengerden Architecten, a firm based in Amsterdam. The original house was erected in 1932 with a traditional gable roof and masonry to match, and the partitioning of space within the house made the interior dark and dreary. New life has been bestowed unto the house, which extends its welcoming eaves toward the neighbors across the street. The white veranda beckons, and the glazing of the lower level introduces cheery daylight into the house. Inside, a run of two flights of stairs – cleverly tucked away behind a white bookshelf – maximizes the open space and complements the freeform plan. A black fireplace hangs suspended from the ceiling, and serves as a centerpiece around which the first-floor living space revolves. Upstairs are more private bedrooms spaces that speak to the original organization of the house, but nevertheless share in the blessings of additional light and spacious quarters.