Michael Graves - DE LUWTE
1997-2006, Amsterdam, Netherlands
This private residence located on the River Vecht near Amsterdam, was named De Luwte, translated as “The Lee,” a shelter from wind and water, to acknowledge the essential relationship between the house and its riverfront site.
This relationship programmatically and symbolically informed the design of the house and grounds. In the tradition of 17th-18th century country retreats sited along rivers in Holland, all major spaces relate directly or indirectly to the water.
The living room, master bedroom, and study face the river, and the kitchen and dining room open to outdoor terraces.
The Dutch traditions of gabled roofs, and masonry construction that combines stone and brick, are reinterpreted in De Luwte. In addition, many of the retreats along the River Vecht featured small architectural follies. De Luwte continues this romantic architectural tradition with an octagonal, ivy-covered teahouse that projects from the main living room façade and offers panoramic views of the river.
