Roses Do Not Bloom Hurriedly
Location
Breda (NL)
Client
Confidential
Year
2020
Status
Preliminary design
Type
Residential

A classic house, could it be that simple? Symmetry, building blocks, a gable roof… Roses Do Not Bloom Hurriedly is a house inspired by Aldo Rossi (1931-1997), his use of color and form, and his ideas on monumentality and culture.

Nature and building are inextricably linked. No matter how rigid and rational architecture has been designed, it always adapts to a context in which nature has its influence. The front of the house has a solid architectural presence: a symmetrical facade, bold shape, large green bricks. But passing through the house, the design slowly changes into something different, more natural. Flower patterns and carefully orchestrated play of light and shadow explore the boundaries of what is natural and artificial.

In this play, the dining room takes center stage as the house’s most eccentric space. Four things were vital in emphasizing the importance of this space: material, light, height, and view. The green brick facade is turned inside out and gives the room a castle-like grandeur. The double-height area turns the house’s heart into a vertical space illuminated from above by large skylights. From there, natural grazing light lights up textures of the timber roof and brickwork – continuously changing its appearance throughout the day. It is possible to leave both entrances to the dining room completely open or closed as desired, creating the possibility to expand the area to the entrance hall, the living room, and the garden.

Namelok (2019). RDNBH - Living Collage [animation].
Anonymous (n.d.). Diorama of Hansel and Gretel.
A. Rossi (1982). Triennale '82 [illustration].
Namelok (2019). RDNBH - Section [illustration].

Roses do not bloom hurriedly; for beauty, like any masterpiece, takes time to blossom.

– Matshona Dhliwayo

Anonymous (n.d.). Wooden Shingles on a Stave Church.
A. Rossi (1985). Tea and Coffee Piazza.
J.M. Butler (1847). Leaf Insect and Saiknah Caterpillar, in: J.M. Butler, A Sketch of Assam (1847).
C. Pissarro (1871). The Woods at Marly [painting].
Namelok (2019). RDNBH - Backside [illustration].
C.R. Mackintosh (1904). Hill House - Drawing Room, Helensburgh (UK), photograph: C. Groarke (2018).
Heylen Ceramics (2019). Green Bricks 'HCG 02'.
Namelok (2019). RDNBH - Front Facade (early design model).
Namelok (2019). RDNBH - Side Facade (early design model).
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