INTRODUCTION

The dominant material in the entire home is wood, with oak being the most frequently used. Natural brown tones are combined with white from cotton or wool, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Wood is a sustainable material that lasts long when properly maintained, and sustainability is one of the priorities within this home. The use of wood not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also supports an eco-friendly lifestyle, aligning with the values of my clients. Japandi and minimalism are the chosen styles for this project. Japandi is a blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design elements, characterized by simplicity, functionality, and the use of natural materials. Upon further investigation, you will learn that Japandi uses a lot of wood. From the name, you can already understand that it includes Japanese style, as Japan is known for its use of wood. This is evident not only in their interior design but also in their architecture, which has cultural and geographical reasons. The Japanese appreciation for natural materials and craftsmanship is combined with the Scandinavian emphasis on simplicity and functionality.

Minimalism fits well with Japandi; they work perfectly together and are often combined. With minimalism, I aim to give the client a space that looks clean and stays that way. With enough closed storage spaces, there is no need for clutter to be left out in the open. Storage spaces can also be designed to look like wall decorations, providing beautiful decor with good functionality. This approach ensures that each item has its place, contributing to a tidy and organized home.

SUSTAINABILITY

TIMELESS STYLE

The design of the house is carefully curated to ensure longevity and reduce the need for frequent changes. Its timeless aesthetic is intended to encourage tenants to maintain the design for extended periods, minimizing the desire for replacements. While smaller decorative elements can be updated seasonally, larger furniture pieces are typically retained even if they were not initially favored. Custom-made furniture is integrated into the space to complement rather than dominate its character, promoting sustainability by minimizing consumption and reducing landfill waste. This sustainable approach not only benefits the environment but also proves cost-effective for tenants over time. By emphasizing durability and thoughtful design, the house encourages a responsible use of resources and fosters a sense of environmental consciousness among its occupants.

MATERIALS

The materials used throughout the house are primarily natural. The kitchen, TV unit, office desk, and bedroom closet are all constructed from recycled wooden chippings. Plywood, known for its strength and cost-effectiveness in replacement, is chosen for its minimal environmental impact. In the rest of the house, natural materials such as wood, granite, wool, and cotton are utilized. Concrete is sourced from specific factories, with more sustainable studio concrete planned for future use. These materials not only ensure a healthy indoor environment for occupants but also contribute positively to the planet. They are durable when properly maintained, which reduces the need for frequent replacement and supports sustainable production practices. This emphasis on natural and recycled materials underscores a commitment to environmental responsibility while creating a comfortable and enduring living space.

TRANSPORT

The choice of materials in the house goes beyond being natural or recycled; their origins are equally important. Materials and furniture pieces have been sourced from countries surrounding the Netherlands, including England, Germany, Belgium, and, of course, the Netherlands itself. This deliberate sourcing ensures high-quality materials and often guarantees that manufacturers adhere to ethical standards, including worker safety laws. By sourcing locally, the project supports regional economies and reduces the environmental impact associated with long-distance transportation. It also promotes transparency in supply chains, allowing for greater accountability and confidence in the sustainability and ethical practices of the materials used. This approach not only prioritizes quality and sustainability but also ensures that the house is furnished with materials that align with ethical standards, contributing positively to both the local and global community.

LAYOUT

The apartment’s layout is meticulously tailored around bespoke furniture pieces crafted specifically for the client, ensuring they optimize every corner of available space. These custom furnishings not only imbue the apartment with a unique and contemporary aesthetic but also exemplify a commitment to sustainability and functionality.

Sustainability is at the forefront of the apartment’s design ethos. Each furniture piece, from the kitchen cabinetry to the bedroom storage units, is thoughtfully crafted using eco-friendly materials such as responsibly sourced wood, recycled materials, and low-VOC finishes. This conscientious choice not only minimizes environmental impact but also promotes a healthier indoor environment for the residents.

Abundant storage solutions are strategically integrated throughout the apartment, enhancing organization and minimizing clutter. These units are designed not only for practicality but also as integral components of the apartment’s minimalist aesthetic. They offer ample space for storing belongings while maintaining a clean and streamlined appearance. In addition to functional storage, the apartment features carefully curated decorations and smaller furniture items that complement the overall design theme.

Soft colors and flawless textures dominate the interior, creating a soothing and inviting atmosphere. Occasional darker elements such as light fixtures and electrical outlets provide subtle contrasts, adding depth and visual interest to the space.

The deliberate use of sustainable materials and minimalist design principles underscores a commitment to responsible living. By reducing consumption and focusing on longevity and quality in furniture and decor choices, the apartment promotes a sustainable lifestyle without compromising on style or comfort. Ultimately, the apartment serves as a testament to the seamless integration of sustainability and modern design. It not only reflects the personal taste and preferences of its inhabitants but also embodies a conscious effort to create a living space that is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible.

SUMMARY

In the visuals of the kitchen, you can observe how natural light interacts with the space at different times of the day. At night, the strategic placement of both main and decorative lighting sources is clearly evident, enhancing both functionality and ambiance.

The kitchen is designed with versatility in mind, making it ideal for multiple people to use simultaneously or as a gathering place for casual conversations. Its layout encourages ease of movement and interaction, whether preparing meals or simply enjoying company.

A notable feature of the kitchen is its lowered ceiling, which provides a subtle separation from the adjacent areas of the room. This architectural element not only adds a sense of coziness and intimacy to the kitchen space but also contributes to its distinct character within the overall apartment layout. Overall, the kitchen is crafted to blend practicality with aesthetics, offering a welcoming environment that adapts effortlessly to different activities and social interactions throughout the day and night.

The living room is conveniently situated right next to the kitchen, yet the thoughtful layout ensures ample space to walk around comfortably without the impression of sitting directly in the kitchen. This spatial design enhances the distinct identities of both areas, allowing for seamless flow while maintaining their individual functionalities.

The living area boasts large windows all around, providing abundant natural light and offering beautiful views. To ensure privacy and prevent neighbors from looking inside, each window is equipped with slightly transparent curtains. For complete light blockage and optimal privacy, electric blinds can be fully lowered and controlled via an app for added convenience, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.

In the evening, the living room transforms into a stunning space, especially during the pink skies of warm summer nights. This creates a romantic and serene environment, perfect for relaxing or entertaining guests. The combination of natural light during the day and the cozy ambiance at night makes the living area an inviting and versatile space for any occasion. Overall, the living room’s design, with its spacious layout, large windows, and advanced privacy solutions, contributes to a harmonious and luxurious living experience, complementing the adjacent kitchen and enhancing the overall appeal of the apartment.

This project brings together styles and materials that I personally find very appealing. My research into the history of wood and how humans have evolved alongside its use has led to a deep appreciation for this material. The Japandi and minimalist styles, which are becoming increasingly popular today, reflect this appreciation. These styles are appealing for various reasons, but I believe the COVID-19 pandemic has played a significant role. The pandemic has shown people the importance of having a comfortable and serene home environment. The Japandi style combines Japanese and Scandinavian design principles, with a focus on natural materials and soothing color tones. This brings nature indoors and creates a calm, serene atmosphere. Moreover, this type of interior is easy to maintain and requires little upkeep, making it highly practical.

To keep the interior unique, I have chosen materials and shapes that are not often seen in standard Japandi style. One example is the use of a terrazzo-like material for the kitchen countertop. At first glance, it looks like traditional terrazzo, but upon closer inspection, you can see that it consists of small pieces of wood instead of marble. This concept is not only less harmful to the environment than real terrazzo, but it is also aesthetically pleasing. In my opinion, it is even more beautiful, as the wood pieces create a connection with the rest of the interior.

Additionally, specific tiles have been used in the kitchen and living room. These tiles consist of small, glued-together arches, resulting in a warm and soft wall. Although they are made of stone or cement, they appear friendlier than square tiles due to their rounded shapes. Scientific research has shown that people prefer round, oval, and closed shapes to sharp corners. I have applied this principle throughout the interior, from lamps and wall panels to coffee tables and mirrors.

The interior is carefully balanced between round and sharp shapes. While round shapes are found everywhere, from the living room to the office, I have ensured a balance with sharp shapes. Without sharp shapes, the overall feel would be too overwhelming, while only round shapes would give an unbalanced impression. This balance is evident in the choice of carpets; the carpet in the living room has a different shape than the one in the office. I offer my clients the option to adjust shapes or tones, but I always strive to maintain a good balance in every space.