Didden Village Private Residence + Terrace Project in Rotterdam, Netherlands by MVRDV

There are two reasons why people topping up on rooftops: the need for additional space and the wish to live high above the other rooftops. The Dutch architecture firm MVDRDV have completed such project for the Didden family in Rotterdam.

The attic storey of the house below is extended by a sky-blue parapet. Behind it two gables of the same colour can be seen. It creates a crown on top of the monument. The extension is an example of the growing trend to exploit the urban roofscape for new living and working spaces.

The bedrooms are positioned as separate houses, optimising the privacy of every member of the family. The houses are accessed via a suspended spiral staircase from the loft-like living room. The two spiral stairs to the two children’s houses coil around each other to form a double helix stairs. The houses are placed on the large rectilinear roof surface in such a way that they form a small number of outdoor spaces (houses, squares, streets and lanes) that make up a rooftop village.

The ‘village’ is enclosed by a parapet with windows that offer views of the street. Trees, tables, open air showers and benches added, optimising the rooftop life. By finishing all the elements with a blue poly-urethane coating a new heaven appears.

Architects: MVRDV Project
Date: 2002-2006
Client: Didden Family