Situated just north of Amsterdam, semi-rural Broek in Waterland is popular with people who want to  escape the city. The area is characterized by a large amount of 1970s residential development, typified by this house at the end of a terrace. The owner wanted to create more living space whilst also loosening up the standardized 1970s interior and opening out views to the heritage-listed paddocks. To gain permission for the extension it was essential to demonstrate that it would not interfere with the sight lines of the neighbours or cast any shadows on their houses or gardens.

Atelier van Wengerden achieved this with an extension of 27 square meters that wraps around the gable of the house. This pushes the extension away from neighbouring houses and creates three interesting new angles. This, in turn, enables much more daylight to enter the house and optimizes a western orientation that permits views of the sunset and nature. Sensitivity towards the surroundings extends to an exterior colour palette that was carefully chosen to  match nearby buildings.

The exterior materials themselves are almost entirely glass with an aluminium frame. Inside, the materials include natural timber in the form of a wall between the extension and the main body of the house. The extension enabled a main wall in the house to be extended, thus creating more storage space, and the extension incorporates the kitchen and a fireplace. A skylight in the ceiling allows more daylight and the light colour of the floor adds to the sense of space.