Explore a grand, classical villa in Haarlem, Netherlands, with a modern twist

(Image credit: Daniel Nicolas)

By Lotte Brouwer 2020-10-16T11:46:20Z

THE PROPERTY

This Wilhelminapark villa in Haarlem (Netherlands) was designed in the late 19th century by architect S.J.W. Mons, who took his inspiration from the style of English homes and gardens. The building served as a recording studio for years, before recently being renovated as a modern home and restored to its former, classical glory by Studio Ruim.

Specialising in modern renovations and restorations of historic buildings, Studio Ruim were the perfect architects for the job, and their choice of modern, designer materials, including HI-MACS® surfaces, honour the property's classical bones while also adding a modern touch. For Studio Ruim, it was important to create a unified design by subtly connecting the different spaces and ensuring the theme worked throughout the house.

HALLWAY

Crittall-style dark green steel doors let light pour in through the original front door and into the hallway, living spaces and kitchen. The seamless Arabescato marble floor sweeps from room to room, and complements the original building's classical style.

STAIRWELL

A striking pendant cluster light in the stairwell reaches from the ceiling to the ground floor. The dark velvet stair runner complements the dark steel framed doors.

LIVING AREA

In the centre of the living room, an impressive oak unit with an inset stove replaces old double doors, and now connects the kitchen and living areas. Thewood unit features a fireplace on the lounge side, and storage cupboards on the kitchen side.

KITCHEN

A Fiori di Bosco marble kitchen island is the piece de resistance in the kitchen, illuminated by a striking asymmetric steel creation hanging above, consisting of a single shelf and bespoke designer lighting.

DINING

HI-MACS® shelves in the adjoining dining area also feature bespoke lighting, illuminating the sink and worktop areas.

BEDROOM

In the bedroom, the central theme of brown oak can be found in the wall behind the bed.

BATHROOM

But the highlight of this home is in the white bathroom on the top floor, where a specially designed bathtub was created in the overhanging niche of the master bedroom tower.

This bathtub was created from HI-MACS®, and appears to have been cut from a solid piece, blending seamlessly into the HI-MACS® walls. The material’s non-porous nature and its invisible seams not only provide a waterproof surface but also make it easy to clean.

“Given the historic character of this building, we were not allowed to change anything in the tower itself. So we designed this bespoke Cleopatra-style bathtub, which is an absolutely unique piece,” explains Studio Ruim's architect Sigrid van Kleef. “Furniture is literally built into the tower, which also helps to insulate the walls and window,” adds architect René van der Leest.

Meanwhile the walk-in shower is fully lined with marble and set into a structure with the same oak wood as on the ground floor, while a minimalist white HI-MACS® washbasin unit on the right completes the luxurious bathroom.