Heart of Glass
Dutch houses are renowned for their large windows which maximise sunlight in their often deep and narrow interiors and which also reflects the Dutch people's spirit of openness and transparency. Drawing perhaps on this tradition, the owners of this house in the centre of Eindhoven decided to build a sparkling extension which takes openness and transparency to another level.
Designed by Eindhoven-based De Bever architects with glass design by SI-X, this extension takes on the simple form of two rectangular rooms joined by a corridor which floats over a pool. The walls facing the garden are made almost entirely of extra-clear glass panels, one of which measures an astonishing 6.6 metres wide by 2.6 metres high. These enormous glass panels create the illusion that the building has no walls, merging the garden with the inside space seamlessly.
The interior is light and airy, thanks to large skylights and a sunken living space. The study area is separated from the main living room by a corridor and a bathroom which, thankfully, has opaque walls and a spectacular glass ceiling. This room may be smaller than the main living space but it takes on a distinctive personality with a beautiful curvy glass wall and a stainless steel door with mirrored finish.
Many people are intimidated by living in glass buildings for fear of feeling like a goldfish bowl, but with buildings of such quality and intelligence we'd be happy to be a goldfish anyday.
Links
http://www.debeverarchitecten.nl/?pag=2&sub=3&id=69&nav=1&info=1
Shop the Style
Product Inspiration
With everything on show in such a transparent space, nothing short of perfection will do. We love the geometric simplicity of the Clay table and minimal perfection of the Helsinki table, both by Desalto. Add concrete for a dash of cool texture, for example with the Hautville counter stool by Lyon Beton.
For such a dramatic and light-filled space, artificial lighting is best kept subtle and low. The I-Club wall light from LZF and the Petite Fugue OLED table light from Blackbody would both look great.
Nothing quite beats glass for a touch of classiness and clarity. The Wine Breather and W / W carafe and glasses from Menu and the Cyclope standing mirror from Moustache are both elegant and practical.