House²
Voorburg
With topping up, you add an extra floor on top of an existing building. This creates new living space, often in inner-city areas where space is scarce. For property owners and developers, topping up is a smart way to contribute to the housing challenge while increasing the value of their property. For private homeowners, it also has its advantages: with a roof extension, you create an extra living level in your own home — for a more spacious living room, an additional bedroom, or a comfortable home office.
"How do you make the most of every square metre within permit-free boundaries?"
How this works in practice is shown by a home in Voorburg: a typical 1930s street with wide bay windows and deep roof overhangs. Ground-floor and upper-floor apartments repeating down the block. The entire neighbourhood is built in this style, sharing the same architectural language. A pre-war expansion area, built for the middle class. Spacious in layout, with trees lining the street and a quiet atmosphere.
The owner of number 55 wanted more space, so he faced a choice: move or expand. Topping up turned out to be the logical option. He chose generous bedrooms, a luxury bathroom, and terraces at both the front and rear.
The first design stood in sharp contrast to the existing homes. Modern, with strong contrasts. This did not align well enough with the municipality's plans, so a different approach was taken. The new extension carries the existing architecture forward. Materials, window frames, and roof edges connect to what was already there. The form was given a contemporary twist, tailored to how the space would be used.
The result is a distinctive addition that sets itself apart from the monotonous row of houses, without standing too far out. Prefab construction allowed for fast installation — and the result proved contagious: three neighbours followed with their own extensions. Each personal, with subtle differences in facades and layout. Together, they give the street a new layer and a new energy. A fine example of making smart use of space.
House²
Voorburg
With topping up, you add an extra floor on top of an existing building. This creates new living space, often in inner-city areas where space is scarce. For property owners and developers, topping up is a smart way to contribute to the housing challenge while increasing the value of their property. For private homeowners, it also has its advantages: with a roof extension, you create an extra living level in your own home — for a more spacious living room, an additional bedroom, or a comfortable home office.
"How do you make the most of every square metre within permit-free boundaries?"
How this works in practice is shown by a home in Voorburg: a typical 1930s street with wide bay windows and deep roof overhangs. Ground-floor and upper-floor apartments repeating down the block. The entire neighbourhood is built in this style, sharing the same architectural language. A pre-war expansion area, built for the middle class. Spacious in layout, with trees lining the street and a quiet atmosphere.
The owner of number 55 wanted more space, so he faced a choice: move or expand. Topping up turned out to be the logical option. He chose generous bedrooms, a luxury bathroom, and terraces at both the front and rear.
The first design stood in sharp contrast to the existing homes. Modern, with strong contrasts. This did not align well enough with the municipality's plans, so a different approach was taken. The new extension carries the existing architecture forward. Materials, window frames, and roof edges connect to what was already there. The form was given a contemporary twist, tailored to how the space would be used.
The result is a distinctive addition that sets itself apart from the monotonous row of houses, without standing too far out. Prefab construction allowed for fast installation — and the result proved contagious: three neighbours followed with their own extensions. Each personal, with subtle differences in facades and layout. Together, they give the street a new layer and a new energy. A fine example of making smart use of space.
