Wilhelminapark Mansion
Serge Schoemaker Architects is currently working on the renovation and conversion 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 450 m2 and is 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 wealthy of that time an alternative to the increasingly busy city center. The basements of the new houses provided space for the domestic staff and the kitchen, and the spacious reception and living rooms were located on the first floor above. Although all houses in this block show the same traditional style features, each home and layout is unique.
Houtzagers was a contemporary of Berlage. The design of this mansion is strongly influenced by the “new rationalism” of that time. Traditional materials such as brick, natural stone, stained glass and ceramic roof tiles characterize the exterior. The facades are designed with striking balconies, bay windows and chimneys. The relatively austere interior is characterized by high spaces, impressive fireplaces and a large amount of painted woodwork.
A special example of this is the impressive staircase that reaches from the basement to the roof. The stairs receive daylight from above, thanks to a large skylight in the front roof. The fact that nineteenth century neo-Gothic architecture also had an influence on Houtzagers’ work can be seen in the details and the long, vertical lines in the stairwell.
The neglected state of the mansion made it necessary to completely renovate the house and provide it with new installations. All parts of the house are therefore taken care of, finishes are restored or renewed, and the dated furnishings are replaced. The (non-original) conservatory at the rear of the house and the adjacent terrace will also be replaced during the renovation.
In addition to the restoration and modernization of the monument, making the home more sustainable also plays an important role. For example, facades and roofs are insulated from the inside, and all glass is replaced by vacuum glass. The monumental parts and style features of the original house are carefully preserved during the renovation and form the basis of the renovation plan.
Our design for the renovation of the interior and exterior is in line with the sober architecture of Houtzagers. With the renovation we restore and strengthen the spatial qualities and rationalistic features of the house and let the architecture speak for itself as much as possible. On the first floor, the layout around the renovated stairwell has been restored by restoring the vestibule and small anteroom. Above the stairwell, the attic floor and roof have been adjusted in such a way that even more light enters the monumental stairwell.
All architectural additions, such as the conservatory and the terrace, have a contemporary design and at the same time are in line with the nineteenth century design language. Interior elements are designed as free-standing objects in order to leave the sober, castle-like spaces of the house intact as much as possible. By using elegant materials and warm colors, we create luxurious living spaces that feel comfortable and intimate at the same time.
Location: Utrecht, Netherlands
Date: 2023-2025
Status: Under Construction
Client: Private
Project team: Serge Schoemaker, Ottavia Profumo | Maiara Camilotti, Jurgi Cinta, Andrew Choptiany, Lara Fehimovic, Bianca Grilli, Pola Totinchy, Ruben Voogt
Photography: MWA Hart Nibbrig
