2_2_DiscoverBenelux_11_November_2014_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 06/11/2014 23:08 Page 65
Discover Benelux | Special Theme | Dutch Architecture & Interiors
FEATURED:
Leading Female Architect
TOP AND RIGHT: The King Kong hostel entrance area (top left) and the dormitory in the attic (right) – in collaboration with ScheurwatervandenHoven. Photos: Luuk Kramer. BOTTOM LEFT: House H model, viewed from the garden. MIDDLE: Antonia Reif. RIGHT: NRCafe, area with the main bar. Photo: Luuk Kramer.
Surprisingly functional and creative architecture TEXT: MYRIAM GWYNNED DIJCK | PHOTOS: ARA | ANTONIA REIF ARCHITECTUUR
Within three years of its existence, ARA | Antonia Reif Architectuur has already built up an impressive portfolio. Despite starting at the height of the economic downturn, founder Antonia Reif has made a strong name for her company with her creative, functional and often surprising designs. “For my first client I had delivered some smaller projects so he trusted me to do the job,” Reif says. The project was the renovation of a former newspaper headquarters. Reif turned it into a large, open area for a grand café. “It’s far from a plain space; different areas with various qualities create generosity and privacy at the same time. It’s both comfortable to work alone with your laptop and have dinner with a group of friends. During the weekends, you can even dance here until deep into the night,” she says. Originally from Germany, Reif moved to the Netherlands six years ago and settled
down in Rotterdam. One of her strong points is that she keeps her work varied and is not quickly satisfied. “It’s fascinating how architecture combines creativity and functionality. The design process means a permanent optimisation of a place by transforming clients’ wishes into clear, wellworking spaces that make people feel comfortable,” she explains. One of her recently completed projects is the King Kong hostel in Rotterdam that counts 150 beds. The ground floor is split into four levels that contain all the guest facilities including reception, bar, lounge, open kitchen and even a mini cinema. “The spaces are all connected and offer interesting views throughout, both towards the street and looking in,” she continues. The guest bedrooms are situated in the storeys above. “In the loft dormitory at the top, there are hidden outlooks from the beds to the double-high main hall. Opposite the beds, you’ll see a beautiful
panorama of the Rotterdam skyline. I love incorporating these kinds of surprises in my designs.” Currently, Reif is working on the extension of a house from the 1960s. The original structure was intended for a couple without children and the family that now owns it wanted to gain more space. “The original façade was orientated towards the street, away from the lovely, big garden at the back. I’m going to turn this around, make the house much more spacious and open and really incorporate the garden as an extension of the living area,” she comments. As with all projects, Reif prefers to stay involved until delivery. This way, she can conduct until the last note and achieve the best final result for the project. antoniareif.com
Issue 11 | November 2014 | 65