A Minimalist Loft Apartment for the Future

Many people plan for the present when it comes to their homes, thinking about their needs now – not those of their children 10 – or even 20 years down the track. However, when it comes to this 45m2 (484ft2) interior apartment loft at the Vrije Kade in the North of Amsterdam, you can see the future is in the here and now.

This loft, designed as a 3G apartment within a housing block, was created by Heren 5 Architecten and furniture designer Paul Timmer. It is part of a three-generation home, hence the name “3G apartments” with two additional lofts on either side.

Owner Egon had a unique design in mind when he enlisted the help of Heren 5 Architect and Paul Timmer. He wanted the single-side oriented loft to not only be on the ground floor so his daughter can play outside but for it to cater to his entire family. He wanted his mother to live in one apartment, his own family in the other, and another for when his daughter is old enough to live on her own. For now, however, the third apartment will be a rental – earning income for the family.

Even though the floor plan of these apartments is compact at 45m2, they have made full use of the space. The primary areas of the home all face views of the canal and light boat, while there is plenty of room for entertaining too.

The loft’s 3.5-meter ceiling also ensures that the sleeping area is more than comfortable. The bedroom sits atop the kitchen, maximizing the space available and creating a spacious and luxurious nook in which to get a restful night’s sleep.

The cooking and eating area sit behind significant glass facades with lovely indoor-outdoor flow, while the less critical areas are to the rear. Here, you can find plenty of storage and the bathroom.

All fixtures and fittings are striking and contrast the cabinetry.

The master bedroom overlooks the kitchen, facing out toward the canal.

The snug 45m2 floorplan is deceivingly spacious.

There is also an extra pull-out bed in the living area for friends and family to stay as well.

For a contemporary touch, all apartments are kitted out in birchwood coupled with white Corian with diamond-edge detailing. The light color palette gives the area a sense of space while making it light and bright at the same time. If you were going to plan for your family’s future, this is how you would want to do it.