Amsterdam 1930s House Renovation by Studio &Space: A Family Home with Hotel-like Comfort
In Amsterdam Zuid, a 1930s house has been given new life through a sensitive yet bold renovation by Studio &Space. Once a tired family property that had not been updated for decades, the house has been carefully transformed into a residence that balances heritage and contemporary living. The project reflects the ambitions of its owners, a couple with two young children, who wanted a home that would preserve the architectural spirit of the 1930s while offering the comfort of a modern lifestyle.
The renovation covers 275 square meters of living space, spread across several floors. Original features such as stained glass, bay windows, and the striking spiral staircase were carefully retained. At the same time, new extensions and thoughtful interior layouts allowed for additional rooms, including a gym, sauna, and family play areas. The result is a home that feels both deeply personal and highly functional.
The approach by Studio &Space is rooted in the value of architecture as a cultural asset. By respecting the craftsmanship of the past and combining it with tactile materials and bespoke furnishings, the design embodies a dialogue between history and modernity. The outcome is more than just a renovation; it is a statement on how domestic architecture can evolve without losing its identity.
Restoring and Extending the House
The most defining architectural feature of the house is its spiral staircase. Studio &Space extended this staircase all the way to the attic, creating continuity across levels and enhancing circulation. A new dormer window was introduced to provide natural light and house a gym and sauna, aligning with the family’s need for wellness spaces within the home.
The connection between the main house, a garage, and a small shed improved the flow of the building. This move created an internal entrance to the garage, providing both convenience and spatial integration. Throughout these adjustments, the studio preserved original 1930s details such as arched doorways and stained-glass panels, ensuring the historic character remained central to the design.
Interior Atmosphere and Material Choices
The interior design draws inspiration from the family’s love of travel, particularly their stays in high-end hotels in the south of France. Materials and finishes were chosen to evoke this atmosphere: warm wood, aged brass, natural stone, velour, and woven wall coverings come together to form a palette that is both tactile and refined.
The kitchen, created in collaboration with Amsterdam-based Eginstill, is a centerpiece of the home. It features a quartzite island with a lacquered relief pedestal, surrounded by upholstered bar stools. The dining area includes velour-covered chairs, a curved bench, and a mirrored bar, creating a sociable yet intimate environment.
| Material | Application |
|---|---|
| Aged Brass | Taps, fixtures, detailing |
| Warm Wood | Wardrobes, staircase extension, relief panels |
| Quartzite | Kitchen island top |
| Onyx | Bathroom countertop |
| Velour Upholstery | Dining chairs and seating |
| Woven Wall Coverings | Principal bedroom finishes |
Rooms and Functions
Beyond material choices, the layout of the house emphasizes both family life and private comfort. The project includes four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a dedicated dressing room attached to the main suite. There are also spaces for leisure and wellness, such as the playroom, TV room, gym, and sauna.
| Space | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Principal Bedroom | Hotel-like ambiance, walk-in wardrobe, woven finishes |
| Children’s Room | Custom bunk bed, sculptural relief panels, playful hideaway |
| Bathrooms | Onyx surfaces, brass fittings, art deco lighting |
| Kitchen and Dining | Quartzite island, velour chairs, mirrored bar |
| Gym and Sauna | Attic conversion with dormer window |
| Playroom and TV Room | Casual and family-focused areas |
Architectural Analysis
The renovation respects the logic of 1930s design, where craftsmanship and geometry were central. The spiral staircase becomes the architectural anchor, tying old and new spaces together. The introduction of the dormer window is not only functional but also a critical gesture, as it redefines the attic from storage into active living space.
Material use is strategic. Warm woods establish continuity with historic detailing, while expressive stones like onyx and quartzite offer moments of luxury. Aged brass adds patina and character, reinforcing the home’s crafted feel. The spatial composition balances intimacy and openness, allowing transitions from family areas to private retreats.
Contextually, this project engages with Amsterdam’s tradition of preserving built heritage while updating it for modern life. It demonstrates how architectural interventions can respect historical identity without freezing it in time. The critical interpretation here is that luxury and family comfort need not be in opposition but can coexist within a framework of architectural respect.
Project Importance
For architects and designers, this project illustrates how residential architecture can evolve. It demonstrates that respecting history does not mean resisting innovation. The careful balance between heritage and new functions contributes to ongoing debates about adaptive reuse and domestic typologies.
The project contributes to architectural thinking by showing how material tactility can generate emotional connections within domestic settings. It also challenges the assumption that hotel-like luxury is at odds with family life. Instead, the design proposes a new typology of the family home: one that is intimate, personal, and also elevated in character.
The relevance today lies in the growing demand for homes that can adapt to multiple roles. Families expect their homes to support wellness, leisure, and work, while still retaining warmth. This renovation shows how projects can inspire architects to merge heritage preservation with modern expectations.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
The project captures the essence of blending historic character with modern refinement. The spiral staircase, quartzite island, and warm wood finishes form a composition that is elegant yet approachable. However, the strong emphasis on luxury materials raises questions about accessibility and whether such approaches risk excluding broader models of domestic design. Could similar spatial and tactile qualities be achieved with less costly materials? At the same time, the renovation offers a lesson in sensitivity and balance. It highlights how architects can work with heritage buildings without stripping away their soul, while also introducing new life into forgotten spaces.
Conclusion
The Amsterdam Zuid house renovation by Studio &Space is more than an interior design story. It is an architectural narrative about time, memory, and adaptation. By extending the spiral staircase and connecting new spaces, the studio demonstrated how design can bring coherence to a once-fragmented house. By using expressive materials and custom furniture, they created a sense of individuality and intimacy.
For the family who lives here, the house is both a home and a retreat. For the wider architectural community, it is a case study in how residential buildings can be transformed responsibly. It teaches that renovation is not about replicating the past or imposing the present but finding harmony between the two. In doing so, this project adds to the conversation about how architecture can address the needs of today’s families while honoring yesterday’s heritage.
The result is a project that carries lessons for adaptive reuse, material exploration, and the role of domestic space in contemporary life. It suggests a path forward where heritage and innovation coexist, offering architects insight into the evolving relationship between history and modern living.
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