Wilhelminapark Mansion

Serge Schoemaker Architects is currently working on the renovation and transformation of this unique national monument in Utrecht, designed by the Dutch architect Petrus Johannes Houtzagers. The mansion, dating from 1898, has a floor area of ​​approximately 450 m² and forms part of Houtzagers’ picturesque block of houses near Wilhelminapark in Utrecht East.

These monumental houses were built at the end of the nineteenth century to offer the affluent residents of that time an alternative to the increasingly busy city centre. The basements accommodated the kitchen and domestic staff, while the generous reception and living rooms were located on the raised ground floor above. Although all houses in the block share the same stylistic language, each dwelling and layout is unique.

Houtzagers was a contemporary of Berlage, and the design of this mansion is strongly influenced by the “new rationalism” of that period. Traditional materials such as brick, natural stone, stained glass and ceramic roof tiles define the exterior. The facades feature expressive balconies, bay windows and chimneys. The relatively sober interior is characterized by lofty spaces, impressive fireplaces and an abundance of painted woodwork, particularly around the monumental staircase.

Due to its neglected condition, the mansion required a comprehensive renovation. The project includes the replacement of all installations, significant sustainability upgrades, and the careful restoration or renewal of finishes throughout the house. Outdated furnishings are removed, and the non-original conservatory at the rear of the building, together with the adjacent terrace, will be replaced.

Our renovation design aligns with the restrained architecture of Houtzagers. The project aims to restore and reinforce the spatial qualities and rationalist features of the house. On the bel étage, the original layout around the staircase has been reinstated by reintroducing the vestibule and small anteroom. Above the stairwell, the original skylight has been brought back, allowing daylight to once again penetrate deep into the house.

All new architectural additions, including the conservatory and terrace, are clearly contemporary in design. At the same time, they form a balanced and coherent whole with the existing nineteenth-century architecture. New interior elements are conceived as freestanding objects, preserving the sober, almost castle-like spaces of the house as much as possible. Through the use of refined materials and warm colours, the renovation creates luxurious living spaces that feel both comfortable and intimate.