Van Schijndel House

“This richly illustrated book includes new, extensive photography of the house, historic images of the location, and previously unpublished sketches from the personal archive of the architect Mart van Schijndel (1943-1999). Using these as well as material from his interviews and writings, the book portrays an architect’s creation of his own special world, innovatively adapted to the various restrictions of the site.

For the first time a book thoroughly documents the experimental techniques, innovative material applications and ingenious details found in the Van Schijndel House (1992) in Utrecht, the Netherlands’ youngest architectural monument. Together with the enclosed film which offers the architect’s own commentary, the book offers a unique insight into an inspiring house.

‘Where a glass warehouse used to stand, in an interior courtyard shut off from the outside world, architect Mart van Schijndel has realised a virtuoso sculptural design for his own house. With this building, Van Schijndel demonstrates an extensive spatial awareness. He also experiments with technical innovations. The glass windows and doors, for example, have no hinges, but swing on silicone-kit hinges. In addition to a cabinet-maker’s technically oriented passion for experimentation, the house exudes the search for an as yet unknown experience of space. Furthermore, it is remarkable, and exemplary, to see how much spatial quality he conjures up in a place that is totally enclosed.’ From the jury report for the Rietveld Award, 1995.” – NDCC Publishers