House MM, designed by Chris Collaris Architects and completed in 2017, is a sustainable and minimalist dwelling in the north of Amsterdam, Netherlands. Working within the tight 60-square-meter footprint of a dilapidated brick house, the architects created a modern and deceptively spacious three-level home that prioritizes natural light, clean lines, and an integrated indoor-outdoor experience.

The design of House MM is a masterclass in maximizing space within a small area while adhering to a passive-building philosophy. The structure's asymmetrical, steeply pitched roof is cantilevered, increasing the upper-level ceiling height and creating an extra mezzanine and attic, which adds to the perceived spaciousness of the interior.

The exterior is entirely clad in blackened, wax-conserved pine, giving the home a sculptural, minimalist appearance. Details like the roof edges and gutters are integrated to keep the lines as clean as possible, creating a seamless, monolithic form.

The design embraces passive building technology. The facades and roof are constructed with high-density insulated sandwich panels—materials typically used in large industrial buildings but tailored here for a smaller residential application. Full-height glazing at the rear of the house opens onto a terrace and garden, visually and physically extending the interior space outdoors. In a nod to the home's history, bricks from the original house were salvaged and reused to create a central core in the interior, anchoring the design in its past.

A refined palette of materials enhances the home's contemporary feel while retaining a warm, natural character. Wax-conserved and black-stained pinewood was used for the facade and roof, providing a low-maintenance, elegant finish. Salvaged interior bricks form a central core, which houses a staircase and divides the living, kitchen, and dining areas. Birch multiplex cabinetry and built-in units are used for storage throughout the house. Polished concrete provides a sleek, modern, and durable finish. The central stair void, topped by a skylight, allows natural light to filter down and maximize the brightness of the ground floor.

Project credits

Architects: Chris Collaris Architects

Client: Marjon Helder and Martin Blankendaal

Photography: Tim Van de Velde

Contractor: Hagoort Bouw B.V.

Structural Engineer: Vissers & Vissers B.V.

Interior Carpentry: Luc Schoenmakers Interieur/Decorbouw

Manufacturers: Kingspan Insulated Panels, Kawneer, Waxedwood pine wood