Koningsmantel

From ancient times, attics belong to the domain of fantasy and mystery. The presence of the roof hood, a folded envelope, centrally nice and high but at the edges pressingly low, seems to be enough to turn an attic floor into a special floor. This house has an extra big version. Intermediate trusses make the roof even more tangible. They divide, create more nooks and crannies, more space to find a forgotten photo.

A number of things need to happen below the roof: an extra children’s room, an office, storage space, a place for guests to sleep and a big play room. They can be immersed in this specific atmosphere inherent to the attic; it amazes, shelters, a snug firmament where playful thoughts can roam freely.

There is light, falling through the already present skylights. View (to something else than a cloud) not yet. In the long axis of the attic one extra window will be installed, a thick round window, a red fluffy portal accessing the green planet suburbia. All around the window runs a wide border coated with carpet. A hammock between two realities.

Below the ridge line the new attic space is high and usable. As little as possible is done. The materials are rather sober and temperate. A new door with clear glass opens and closes in a whisper. Light and sight enter. Noise does not.

On the sides, where the ceiling is low, as much as possible is done. In fact everything is done. Both sides, over their full length, are utilized for all kinds of activities: a bed, a play table, a desk, a stage and storage cupboards. Just like the window, the scale is smaller, more intimate. The materials respond to this. Everything is red. The velvet of a king’s mantle. Red carpet, red linoleum and red stained wood play the biggest part. Even the edges are soft. Everything is bordered with a round cover slat. The borders of benches, tables, bed and even the round window. Which is nice for your legs. When you sit, crawl and roll over the edge.

The red has a small, but nice ally. The grips, sockets and lighting fixtures are bright blue. There’s a sneaky little blue speckle in the carpet. A playful speckle. Something inviting the mind to wander, to day-dream and forget the time.