BLACK

SITUATED ΟΝ Α DYKE ON A BRANCH OF THE ZΑΑΝ RIVER AND INSPIRED BY THE BLACK BARNS FOUND AMONG THE LOW LYING POLDERS OF THE NETHERLANDS NORTHWEST THIS UNIQUE HOUSEBOAT IS THE RESULT OF ITS OWNERS CLEAR VISION.

- INGE VAN LIESHOUT

For Eleonora Nieuwenhuizen and partner Erwin, the pull to live on the water was a strong one. She had grown up in Oostknollendam – a town in the Dutch province of North Holland – and the couple returned to build this special home, surrounded on three sides by archetypal Dutch landscape. “Erwin and I knew exactly what we wanted,” says Eleonora, “and we already had a good idea of what was needed to create it. We found architect Angela Holterman of Hollands Zicht architects via Pinterest – she lives on the water herself, and has experience in designing water homes – then selected several contractors and project-managed it all ourselves.”

The home’s location and surroundings dictated the architect’s approach, with the outdoor areas being a special focus. Roof terraces and floating terraces were natural options, but she had to take the elements into consideration too. “The wind around here has free rein as soon as you stick your head above ground level,” says Angela. “We solved this by including the outdoor spaces within the contours of the house. The adjacent spaces provide shelter, and a direct relationship between inside and outside.”