Small City

Rooftop

SITE ANALYSIS

The Lijnbaanflats, built starting in 1957, were part of an ambitious project around the Lijnbaan shopping street in Rotterdam. The complex consisted of towering buildings designed for urban living, with 850 residential units, shops, and garages. It featured two large green courtyards, designed for residents to enjoy a peaceful environment away from the bustling city traffic. The buildings were developed….

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HOUSE FOR A COUPLE

A couple looks for a shared realm where they can grow together. But it is important for an individual not to become too attached to the others identity, or the couples identity. Each partner needs space. Therefore, it is essential that a house for a couple needs to have a shared space, along with personal spaces.

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ROOF GARDEN

The preferred roof will never be flat, it is seen as unnatural in a psychological, structural and climatic point of view. Other roofs could be a sheltering roof, a roof that is integrated with the house and is part of its volume, or a roof vault, a specifically shaped curved roof that relies on compression. So when building, making sure flat roofs are usable is important…

PATTERN 131-

FLOW THROUGH ROOMS

The way movement flows through the rooms of a house can be decisive on the space usage and the emotions you have. Ideally you want a house where the passages are broad and sunlit, with the opportunity to sit down and enjoy some views. A more or less continuous space that invites you into it. People should get the choice in what way they would like to explore the house, not be pushed into a defined pathway. It should evoke curiosity….

PATTERN 176 -

GARDEN SEAT

It is essential to give ourselves a space to connect with nature solitarily. A space where you can exist undisturbed, near growing things. A place sheltered from the wind, shadowed over by trees and bushes. Notoriously this is something that most people living in urban environments don't get to experience. General lack of vegetation in cities makes this even harder. 

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WORKSPACE ENCLOSURE

You feel more comfortable in a workspace if there is a wall behind you. (If your back is exposed you feel vulnerable--you can never tell if someone is looking at you, or if someone is coming toward you from behind.)

You feel more comfortable in a workspace if there is a wall to one side….

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CANVAS ROOF

There is a very special beauty about tents and canvas awnings. The canvas has a softness, a suppleness, which is in harmony with the wind and light and sun. A house or any building built with some canvas will touch all the elements more nearly than it can when it is made only with hard conventional materials.

The project reimagines a rooftop space to provide a unique living and working environment for two young professional couples, each with their own creative aspirations. The design aims to create a harmonious, nature-inspired oasis that fosters productivity, creativity, and tranquility while maintaining a strong connection to the outdoors. The green-blue roof, a key feature of the design, enhances the natural environment and introduces a layer of sustainability, offering a space that feels both fresh and rejuvenating. The rooftop is divided into several interconnected sections, each serving distinct purposes while blending seamlessly with one another.

Each of the two units has its own private garden, allowing the residents to have a peaceful retreat surrounded by greenery. These personal gardens feature a variety of plants and seating arrangements, providing each couple with the ideal environment for relaxation, creativity, and reflection. The private gardens offer a space for individuals to unwind, away from the bustle of daily life.

At the heart of the rooftop is a shared lounge and gathering space, designed to encourage social interaction and collaboration. This open, inviting area features comfortable seating and ample space for residents to come together, exchange ideas, or simply relax. This communal space allows for both informal meetings and moments of connection between the two couples, fostering a sense of community while maintaining a balance between private and shared areas.

Extening the shared areas is a community garden open to other residents of the building, equipped with benches for casual seating and interaction. This garden invites a broader connection between the rooftop’s residents and encourages a sense of shared responsibility for the space. The lush green environment and comfortable seating offer opportunities for residents to engage with nature and each other.

The inclusion of a greenhouse adds a sustainable, practical dimension to the rooftop design. The greenhouse provides residents with the opportunity to cultivate their own vegetables, enhancing their connection to nature and promoting a sense of self-sufficiency. This space also serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainability, offering a tactile and fulfilling experience of growing and harvesting food in an urban environment.

The two homes themselves are designed with light-frame construction to minimize the impact on the rooftop structure while maintaining a contemporary, airy feel. The open floor plan creates a flexible, dynamic living space where both couples can live and work. The interiors are designed to be adaptable, allowing for easy transitions between different activities. Each unit features two dedicated workspaces, ensuring that both couples have the space and tools to focus on their professional endeavors without sacrificing comfort.

This redesigned rooftop is more than just a living space; it is a creative sanctuary that embodies the aspirations of young professionals. Surrounded by nature, the space is designed to spark creativity and inspiration while offering the peace and serenity needed for focused work. The balance between private garden spaces, shared communal areas, and sustainable features like the greenhouse creates a vibrant, collaborative environment where work and life can seamlessly coexist. The rooftop becomes a retreat from the city, offering a perfect blend of productivity, relaxation, and connection to nature for the residents who call it home.