Over Haringvlietstraat 12, Amsterdam

Set on the quiet Haringvlietstraat, this monumental semi-detached residence was designed and inhabited by the architect couple Pot-Keegstra. Built in 1955 as a home with an integrated office, it stands as a distinctive example of late modernist architecture within a neighbourhood predominantly defined by late 1920s housing. The design is clear and functional, with a rhythmic façade composition, rectilinear volumes and a restrained use of materials. Architect Pot embraced an austere architectural language, where expression arises from proportion, rhythm, and form — not from ornament or nostalgia. Architecture here is pure, spatial, and composed with purpose. This vision materialises in the vertical window bands, the generous influx of natural light, the subtle brickwork relief, and the precise balance between solid and open surfaces. The residence is deliberately understated yet meticulously crafted — with attention to scale, proportion, and structure. It unfolds in layers: from a deep front garden, through a generous living floor, to a wide rear garden along the water. The entrance — with timber-framed doors and white-bordered panels — is low-profile and warmly articulated. Inside, the sightlines are long and the spaces are logically connected. The internal garage — originally a detached volume — adds to the practicality and is rare in this context. The garden was designed by Mien Ruys. Solar panels on the roof and a ready-to-execute redesign offer scope for contemporary adjustments. In this residence, the architects Pot-Keegstra — later also responsible for the design of the Bijlmerbajes — demonstrate how modest means can yield a powerful and enduring living environment.

Renovation possibilities
Commissioned by the seller, Allard Architecture has developed a proposal outlining the renovation potential of the residence at Haringvlietstraat 12. The plan primarily involves converting and merging the existing garage into living space and raising the current side extension and garage by one metre externally, allowing for higher ceilings in the extension area. Additionally, the creation of a basement beneath the extension appears technically feasible; however, this would currently fall outside the zoning plan. Should the full scope of the proposed expansion be realised, the total living area could be increased to approximately 275 square metres.
For more information, a zoning diagram prepared by Allard Architecture and an alternative floor plan are available.

The home opens with a light-filled hallway offering a view of the garden. Tall vertical glass panels flanking the front door create a welcoming entrance, softening the space with natural light. The hall functions as a natural pivot within the floorplan, providing direct access to the living room, dining room, kitchen, and guest lavatory. The living room faces the deep garden and the water beyond through expansive glazed openings. The space is bright and well-organised, with a light wooden floor and a calm, balanced layout. French doors establish a direct connection between the interior and the greenery outside. At the front of the home, the light is beautifully filtered, lending a sense of openness on both sides of the room. The Italian kitchen is set slightly apart yet remains visually connected to the rest of the ground floor. The layout is functional, with deep, high-gloss warm red cabinet fronts and a white countertop. A wide window brings daylight into the sink area. The space is clearly arranged and practically appointed. The dining room overlooks the garden and forms a delightful place within the home. The layout creates a natural transition between living, cooking, and being outdoors. The internal garage provides generous space for bicycles and storage and is equipped with a washing machine connection.

The first floor accommodates two bedrooms, both quietly positioned with views of greenery. The room at the rear is generously proportioned and overlooks the water. The layout is simple and functional, offering ample space for a large bed and a full-height wardrobe. The second bedroom is located at the front and is currently used as a study, benefitting from abundant natural light through large windows. Each bedroom is equipped with two spacious built-in wardrobes. The bathroom is finished in a bright and neutral palette, featuring white wall and floor tiles, a bathtub, a separate shower enclosure, and a double vanity. A window provides abundant daylight and natural ventilation. The lavatory is situated separately, adjacent to the bathroom, and is accessible directly from the landing. The second floor offers two additional bedrooms beneath the flat roof. The room at the rear opens onto a balcony and is well suited for use as a guest room, workspace, or atelier. The other bedroom overlooks the trees in the front garden. Together, they form a peaceful upper level with a wealth of possibilities.

The tree-lined front garden creates a green transition between the house and the street. Thanks to its generous depth and mature planting, the garden offers ample privacy — both at the entrance and in front of the ground floor windows. The driveway accommodates two cars and provides direct access to the internal garage. Originally designed by Mien Ruys, the garden layout accentuates the house’s simplicity and symmetry. At the rear, a deep west-facing garden enjoys sunlight from early afternoon until sunset. It borders directly on the water, offering views across to the opposite residences and the tree-lined banks. The garden is fully enclosed, offering tranquillity, space, and an unbroken connection with the surrounding greenery. Multiple doors from the dining and living rooms open directly into the garden. On the second floor, a sheltered balcony is accessible from one of the bedrooms. From here, the view extends across the water and the green gardens of the neighbourhood. It is a peaceful spot with afternoon sun and a wide perspective over the area. Together, the waterside rear garden, the leafy front garden, and the elevated balcony form a home that is connected to the outdoors on every level.

Haringvlietstraat is a quiet and secure street located in the sought-after Apollobuurt, near the Beatrixpark and Apollolaan. The neighbourhood is defined by its green character and broad, tree-lined avenues. On Scheldestraat and Maasstraat, a wide and varied selection of local shops can be found, including a fishmonger, artisan cafés, and a bakery. For relaxation and recreation, the nearby Beatrixpark offers a peaceful escape. The Beethovenstraat is also within walking distance. For a leisurely lunch, charming spots such as Feduzzi and Vinnies are well worth a visit. Several gyms are located in the immediate vicinity, and the De Mirandabad swimming complex can be reached within a few minutes by bicycle.

Accessibility
The property is easily accessible by bicycle, car, and public transport. The A10 ring road can be reached within five minutes by car via exit S109. From RAI Station, various tram, metro, and bus lines operate — including tram 4 to Central Station and buses to Amstelstation and Station Zuid. Regional transport also departs from this hub, with direct connections to Schiphol Airport. RAI Station is also a stop on the North-South metro line. The station is located within five minutes’ walking distance.

Parking
Apart from the two parking spots in the driveway, parking is available through a permit system on public roads (permit area Zuid 4.1 Rivierenbuurt Noord). A permit for this area also allows parking in Zuid-3 and Zuid-4. The cost of a residential parking permit is €192.81 per six months. At present, the waiting time for a permit in this area is two months. A second residential parking permit is not available (Source: Municipality of Amsterdam, May 2025).