Experimental Atelier

Experimental Atelier is a compact live-work artist’s studio. The space was designed around a philosophy of small-scale experimentation, reflecting the creative freedom of an artist’s workspace. The façade and interior of a former storage unit have been transformed into a cohesive whole that fosters creativity. The project is located in the Oud-West district of Rotterdam, on the ground floor of a late nineteenth-century building that had stood vacant for several years.

For this project, Overzee seized the opportunity to experiment within a limited budget by using standard and recycled building materials, aiming to create a distinctive character. Strong emphasis was placed on incorporating materials from natural sources for new additions, as well as reusing materials from the immediate surroundings wherever possible. This strategy is referred to as the kilometre-zero (Km.0) philosophy, in which local building culture and materials form the basis for design. For example, the kitchen floor consists of a mosaic of broken bluestone tiles sourced from a church in Brabant, a material that also reappears in the façade. The wood used in the bathroom floor and washbasin has been reclaimed from old mooring posts from the Port of Rotterdam. Marble accents for thresholds and window sills originate from a common Rotterdam fireplace. In this way, a contemporary space emerges that combines creative improvisation, aesthetics, and historical continuity. Sustainable ambitions and budgetary constraints were approached as opportunities rather than obstacles.

Our massing proposal favours low-rise buildings, limited to a maximum of six storeys—to encourage the adoption of biobased construction methods. The gallery buildings are primarily made of timber, with their structure providing protection for the sensitive façades against the weather climate. The corner and head buildings are envisioned in compressed earth blocks (CEBs), a promising, yet underutilised material in the Netherlands, particularly suitable for regions with abundant clay. Using anti-erosion layers not only increases their lifespan, but also creates a self-shadowing facade that reduces urban heat island effect. Nesting aids are included in the facade composition.

The entrance storefront added in the 1990s did not consider the historic façade’s rhythm and material. We replaced it with a new frontage and entrance that included natural stone elements, details, and profiles aligned with the protected historic streetscape, deliberately following a contextual approach so that a casual passerby gets the impression that it has always been there.

The most characteristic interior element is the curved staircase, which seamlessly transitions into an equally curved wall. This forms a unifying architectural gesture that organises the different spaces and levels. The curve follows natural circulation paths and maximises available wall space by aligning seamlessly with the existing large window, which is functional within a studio environment. A double-height curtain follows this line and flexibly divides the space into a sleeping and studio area. When open, it allows light to enter from both sides, optimally illuminating the artist’s work. When closed, it encloses the bedroom and kitchen, creating an intimate and sheltered sleeping space.