Concordia

Once home to a writer, A 19th-century manor in one of Rotterdam’s oldest surviving avenues was turned into the home of an architect and his family with three young daughters.
Faithful to her way of working, Élise built on what was already there, stripping it from the unnecessary flood of doors and corridors.
The main hallway remained, looking out on two portraits of the architect’s great-grandparents that welcome you in.

By redefining space, she brought clarity and comfort to every floor.
The groundfloor covers the massive living area and a diagrammed kitchen, spilling out into an added loggia that celebrates the old magnolia tree. The parents claim the first floor. Their bedroom and private bathroom are embraced by the winter garden. Across the hall, one large room, divided by an irregular colonnade, has become their two private offices. Above, the three daughters reign, with their own living space, bedrooms and bathroom.

Dutch craft is celabrated in Frisian Whites; porcelain tiles shifting in white tones, gathered into mosaics. They will return on every floor, as part of the architecture. Blank wood keeps up the balance between old and new. Works from the family’s art collection reappear throughout the whole house.
During this journey of transformation, Élise collected all the furniture and lightning, leaving her mark as a way of layering history with new life.

(Photographs by Filip Dujardin)