We’ve never encountered a room filled with literature that we didn’t love.

This explains why we were instantly captivated when we came across Den Tex Dojo by D Hage Designs.

A subtle but idiosyncratic redesign of a historic dutch canal house, this residence balances Japanese, Scandinavian, and European design influences to create a sunny home space full of little escapes. This apartment is a sanctuary and dynamic social space full of custom detailing and surprising finishes.

The clients were in love with the historical details of the apartment but wanted something calm, soulful, and still felt fresh and young. In addition, they had a mutual love of Japanese architecture, furniture, and culture, which significantly impacted the design. Japanese design details, European vintage furniture, and Scandinavian materials are all part of the balancing act that created this new home.

The residence was designed and constructed during the pandemic; thus, it needed to serve multiple purposes for the owners to live, work, relax, and socialize. By creating many autonomous moments within the apartment; from nooks and benches to an indulgent onsen-like bathroom; this home could transform with their needs throughout the day and season, even in covid lockdowns.

Traditional onsens in Japan feature a similar material palette as that found in the primary bathroom, with square tiles in earthy tones complemented by natural design elements. The ritual is to first rinse the body with cool or warm water before stepping into the baths. The connectivity between the glass shower and the bathtub thus allows the residents to indulge in this relaxing experience in their day-to-day routine.

The four-bedroom apartment has many historical details, from mouldings to staircases, but like many dutch homes, it lacked sunlight and openness. By adding skylights, an atrium, and opening up a lot of the spaces, the project team brought sunshine and a better flow to the space. For example, connecting the living and dining room with mirrored elements, such as the overhead lighting fixtures and large format windows in both rooms, gives a sense of continuity in the interior design and makes the home feel more spacious.

The poky kitchen now opens into the dining room, which flows into the living, creating an intimate but social space that two or twenty people can enjoy. With the countertop seating that extends from the kitchen and out into the dining room, residents can enjoy a quick meal or invite guests to join them for wine and charcuterie as they prepare dinner for a group gathering. The kitchen thus becomes another cozy social space within the home.

This project shows how a home represents the multicultural identity of a client and space in the contemporary world. The design is mindful of the Mexican concept of "mestizaje" which describes a mingling of different cultures and the conflicts, contrast, and nuances. Den Tex Dojo shows how our experiences and background can influence design without objectifying and creating a 'theme park' of design culture. The result is a home that feels balanced, lived-in, and true to the architecture, while still having bold moments.

PROJECT DETAILS

Project Size: 240 m2

Location: Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands

Site Size: 122 m2

Completion Date: 2021

Building Levels: 3

Photography: David Esser

Architectural and Interior Design: D Hage Designs