NEVER TOO SMALL: DIY Plant-filled Waterfront Loft, Amsterdam - 45sqm/484sqft

This bright plant-filled loft situated directly on the waterfront in the Eastern Harbour District of Amsterdam is home to Koen Fraijaman, his girlfriend Fadime and their cat Sok. Renovating it all themselves, they added a kitchen island, a frame around the bed and extended the terrace by adding a floating deck. Koen is most proud of the pulley and rail system he designed for the TV, which allows it to be pushed into the centre of the room when in use and stored away behind the couch when not. Central to the living room is a pink storage cabinet with a built in hidden desk and hiding place for the cat, set against green tiles that the couple installed themselves. In the bedroom, curtains surrounding the bed along with a large open air drying rack built into the custom made bed frame double as room dividers. The addition of floor to ceiling mirrored wardrobes and a large mirror above their entry door bounce light throughout the space and make it feel much larger. With a talent for making things and a keen eye for upcycling, Koen and Fadime have created a truly unique and playful loft to call home.

#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign

Eps 112
Project Name: Scheeps

Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
Cinematographer: Rem Burger
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Sebastian Tibbs
Music: Outside In by We Dream of Eden & Found By Kevin Graham

[hotelierid]

He managed to put all things he found in a perfect way. I really love his house, the kitchen is small but designed perfectly. You can imagine how relaxing to cook in that kitchen with view to water. This house is perfect.

[ramonlopes]

My favorite feature is the super high glassed window/door. The fact that it is overlooking the water makes everything much nicer too.
I can’t stop thinking about how cool it might be to watch a rainy day go by from their living room.

[happycommuter]

This is hands-down my favorite Never Too Small video. The work done in this apartment is beautiful, creative, and so clever with its use of space, and of course the cat is just adorable.

[MisterLooKass]

I love that this project is full of solutions, but never compromises. One of the best ones I've seen, so full of personality while still being super practical and liveable.

[yamabo]

the floating deck, the top to bottom windows, the kitty hiding places, the spice rack 😍

[ninconnue]

I'm fascinated by the split level entranceway. I don't think I've ever seen another loft-style apartment with that layout.

[vivonalua]

Not only is this an incredibly well executed project, the cinematography of this video is stunning. All the close up shots, how the cameraman captured the natural living activities in such a “fly on the wall” style… I am mesmerised by this video. Huge “well done” to the whole NTS team.

[sianthesheep]

I find I tend to prefer the apartments that are the architects own home - I think as he says it really helps to live in a place to help you design it, it lets the space speak to you and allows you to build something totally individual and tailor-made. I love the switch on the pulley system and the sliding tv, and those massive floor to ceiling windows looking out onto the water are amazing!

[literal_metaphor]

This is so pretty! Easily one of the best ones I've seen.
That floating deck is made of dreams!

[crazybeatles]

The clothes drying rack is great. I hate when small spaces are unrealistic. You don't only need space for clean clothes, but when they're dirty and drying out.

[CDN_Store]

I 1st discovered this development in an architectural book about 20yrs ago and fell in love with how interesting the neighbourhood is due to allowing each owner to come up with their own design.

In 2016 I visited Amsterdam, rented a bike and was lucky enough to accidentally arrive at these homes whilst exploring. Thank you for featuring this as I aim to build a small property with a similar layout.

[thaontvmuggle]

Best of 2023 so far, well done, i have to replay quite few times to see all details

[thefourthfry]

This house is one of the best so far. Really pretty, the plants look incredible. The entire place is really aesthetic all the while keeping all functionality intact. no murphy beds, no setting up a dining table to eat. Exceptionally well thought out space.. Plus the floating deck is *
Chef's kiss

[whiteryanc]

Absolutely gorgeous. A total DIY maker at heart but with a surprisingly clean execution on so many of his concepts. I love this un-rigid, experimental way of creating the space around you. Breaks the mold of so many prescribed/rigid aesthetics.

[lyndaster]

this feels like when no one remembered to tell him some stuff was impossible. So much fun, great imagination!

[PHRX]

I really love the engineering and problem solving side of this. It's not the usual "I designed on paper and someone then build it."

[charlenerobertson-zbdn]

I love the fact that the kitty is getting to enjoy the best views, hidden nooks and scratching surface(s). There are lush climbers inside, floating deck outside, discrete litter box and amazing spots to lounge around...❤❤❤

[obidean]

What a wonderful home. Full of character. The ingenious sliding rail TV, the giant industrial switcher for the bedroom light, the floating deck besides the canal, the spice rack and the adorable passage for the cat. Bravo to the owner for not being afraid to challenge casual minimalist thinking and embrace personality. This one a keeper for me ❤

Btw the cat is also living its best life in that home haha

[miguelrosado]

This apartment has become automatically one of my favourites on this channel, if not the favourite. It feels like a peaceful retreat in the middle of a city.

[oonarhu]

This is a classic example of how helpful NTS is to those of us already living in small spaces. Like others here, I love the drying closet -- so attractive, even when in use, and it looks relatively simple to construct. I also find the mirror placement helpful... How to capture light without turning the place into a narcissist nightmare, lol. Being a short person, ceiling height spice shelves aren't going to be my choice, but personal choice is what makes design delightful.