This monumental mansion, close to the city centre of Haarlem in the Netherlands, lacked a proper connection of the living spaces with the ground floor garden, since the kitchen and living room were situated on the first floor.

 

Manon de Bont | Architects made a design for adjustments to the ground floor, by changing the lay-out and opening up the back facade, creating space for a large open kitchen and a dining space directly connected to the garden. With good weather, by opening the large double doors, the kitchen, dining room and garden become one.

 

In the side room, a play-room was created. By omitting doors and instead having a large archway between the two spaces, the floorplan has become open and spacious.

 

The kitchen is positioned at the front of the house, where a wide window seat was added – now the perfect place for a morning coffee.

 

The new windows and doors in the back facade follow the existing rhythm of the upper floors. In that way, the implemented changes, feel very natural.