Senior Shelter by i29
i29 designed the Senior Shelter, a 100 m² (1,076 sq ft) house, in the Netherlands. This single-level abode integrates architecture and interior design into a harmonious space for multigenerational living. This project prioritizes the human scale and comfort, creating a layout that fosters connection with the outdoors while respecting the privacy of its residents.
A Purposeful Addition
i29 architects designed a second, single-story home for senior residents. The 100 m² (1,076 sq ft) house is a carefully considered addition that respects the scale and context of the existing site. Its placement creates a natural relationship between the main and secondary dwellings, closely connected while respecting each other’s privacy.
A Light and Open Living Landscape
After its completion, the grandparents have enjoyed being close to their children and grandchildren—and vice versa. Architecture and interior design are uniquely integrated into one cohesive living volume.
The new building is a single-level home beneath an exposed-rafter roof. On the north side, the bedroom and bathroom form a tranquil zone. Large sliding doors around a centrally located patio offer extended sightlines and an airy, open feel. The patio connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas to an outdoor space that naturally extends the interior. Three fully retractable sliding doors allow a seamless transition between inside and outside, while sliding panels on the west side provide privacy and shelter.
Clear Architecture
The house radiates calm confidence. Its waxed-wood façades support a contemporary roof made of sandwich panels with integrated, minimalist rain gutters. The roof extends beyond the structure, creating sheltered walkways and heightening the sense of space from within. Inside, the exposed roof plays a key role in the spatial experience, serving as a unifying element between the home’s functions and the surrounding greenery. The interior—featuring a light grey concrete floor, light oak walls, and a white-painted rafter ceiling—creates a serene and natural atmosphere.
Unity and Tranquility
Inside, the oak wall cladding visually supports the roof and runs continuously around the space, emphasizing the high ceiling. Custom cabinetry and the kitchen follow the same horizontal lines, creating a harmonious whole. Exterior walls visually merge with custom interior elements, seamlessly intertwining architecture and interior design.
Future-Oriented Design
With this independent senior residence, i29 demonstrates that compact multigenerational living can retain—and even enhance—quality, comfort, and spatial richness. The result is a future-oriented home defined by simplicity, clarity, and human scale.
Photography by Ewout Huibers
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