FABRICations maximizes interaction with flexible layout of the casco loft in amsterdam

design studio FABRICations has completed the interior of an apartment in amsterdam, the netherlands. the project forms part of the ‘superlofts’ programme by marc koehler architects which is a framework that offers residents with a blank canvas in which to customise or design and build a ‘raw space’ home from scratch. the idea strives to promote interaction and flexibility by encouraging shared spaces and the implementation of a flexible, open layout. the casco concept developed by koehler revolves around the idea of creating an open shell, or ‘casco’ in dutch, which has served as the base for FABRICations’ interior design.

dining area with view over the entrance space

all images © jansje klazinga

the scheme by FABRICations retracts the upper floors to generate double height voids. this design intervention works to increase the amount of natural light gained into living spaces, while also providing cross ventilation, ensuring a high degree of passive environmental control while simultaneously generating an unconventional spatial experience.

view of the entrance space, adaptable to host flexible use and become a guest bedroom

each space has its own visual identity by employing a wide range of colors, textures and materials. different levels of transparency and separation are achieved by the use of metal meshes, wood, resin paint and methacrylate panels. the choice of unconventional materials for the interior, such as the metal mesh normally adopted in armored concrete, brings added value to the construction in terms of cost effectiveness, lightness and space occupation.

kitchen with translucent cabinets

the flexible layout has been designed to allow for a variety of visual and personal interactions. the dominant colors of the staircases and their prominent positioning within the house turn the act of vertical circulation into an adventurous journey. the entrance for example, can be turned into working space or additional living area, as it is located on a separate level. in the meantime, a guest bedroom is hidden in the colored volume at the entrance, ready to be used during night time. by creating multi-functional areas that can be altered according to the needs of the user, the design maximizes the value of every single square meter. 

living area with double height zones

flexible storage space in the living area

access to the second floor, kitchen with translucent cabinets

access to the second floor

bathroom

access to bedroom 1

bedroom 2

master bedroom

physical model of the project showing a diagrammatic representation of the space distribution

project info:

project name: ‘casco loft’

project location: amsterdam, the netherlands

architecture: marc koehler architects

interior design: FABRICations

commissioner: ike gronheid & roy gisberts

design directors: eric frijters, olv klijn

design team: ivo clason, josé cocchiararo, nina mertanen, patrick roegiers

year: 2017

photography: jansje klazinga

styling: emmy van dantzig

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.