Stone, Light, and Legacy

Photo Courtesy of Peter Baas | The Patagonia Original Tourmaline cristallo/natural quartz by Antolini® defines the kitchen with its luminous crystalline texture and sculptural presence

In collaboration with Antolini®, a historic 17th-century canal house in Amsterdam has been transformed into a serene, contemporary family residence that honors its architectural legacy while embracing modern life. The property was once part of a grand merchant’s home before being divided and later stripped entirely of its interior. When the current owners acquired the building, the protected sandstone façade remained intact, but the interior was completely gutted – a rare condition for a monumental canal house. The blank slate offered a unique opportunity: to restore the grandeur and spatial clarity of the original typology while redefining it for a vibrant, design-conscious family.

Organized across multiple levels, the home follows the classic canal house sequence – a front room, central section, and rear living space – reinterpreted with open sightlines and fluid connections. On the ground floor, three primary spaces flow seamlessly into one another, creating an ideal setting for entertaining. A fireplace anchors the front salon, while the dining area and kitchen extend toward the back, encouraging both intimate family life and large gatherings.

Photo Courtesy of Peter Baas | The ground floor of the historic Amsterdam canal house, redesigned by architect Ruud Van Oosterhout, showcases Calacatta “Wow” marble from the Antolini® Natural Stone Collection

Throughout the residence, proportion, light, and material continuity shape the atmosphere. Large windows frame views of the canal, and vertical sightlines allow daylight to travel through the stairwell and upper floors. A discreetly integrated elevator – a rare addition in a protected Amsterdam canal property – ensures long-term functionality without compromising historical integrity. The result is a home that feels both monumental and intimate: rooted in tradition, yet distinctly contemporary – a refined architectural canvas brought to life through thoughtful collaboration and material precision.

Natural stone plays a defining role in shaping the identity of the residence. Rather than being used as a decorative accent, each surface was conceived as an architectural gesture – anchoring space, guiding movement, and reinforcing the home’s calm yet powerful presence. The material palette, curated in collaboration with Antolini®, includes Calacatta “Wow”, Patagonia Original Tourmaline, and a refined white Dolomite del Sud “Select”.

Photo Courtesy of Peter Baas | Calacatta “Wow” marble from the Antolini® Natural Stone Collection has also been selected for the guest bathroom sink and vanity cladding

Calacatta “Wow”
On the ground floor, Calacatta “Wow” marble, part of the Natural Stone Collection by Antolini®, establishes an immediate sense of arrival. Historically, white marble was used in Amsterdam canal houses as a sign of prosperity, particularly in entry halls. Here, that tradition is reinterpreted through expansive slabs that emphasize scale and proportion. Rather than opting for overtly dramatic book-matching, the architect selected slabs with a balanced, architectural veining pattern that allows for multidirectional application without overwhelming the space.

Patagonia Original Tourmaline
In the kitchen, Patagonia Original Tourmaline cristallo/natural quartz by Antolini® becomes the visual focal point. Known for its crystalline structure and dynamic composition, the stone was carefully chosen for its subtle gray undertones and jewel-like quartz inclusions. Set against dark-stained walnut cabinetry and warm wood flooring, Patagonia Original Tourmaline creates contrast without disruption. The stone spans large surfaces, including the backsplash and island, eliminating the need for additional ornamentation. The result is a kitchen that feels architectural and timeless, where the stone itself becomes both artwork and structure.

Photo Courtesy of Peter Baas | Dolomite del Sud “Select” dolomite, part of the Exclusive Collection by Antolini® transforms the primary bathroom in a calm and relaxing environment

Dolomite del Sud “Select”

In the primary bathroom, Dolomite del Sud “Select” dolomite, part of the Exclusive Collection by Antolini®, introduces a softer, more atmospheric quality. With its cloud-like movement and lack of strong directional veining, the material wraps the space in a calm, cohesive envelope. The floor design subtly defines zones – almost like a stone “rug” – while gently curved transitions soften the geometry of the room.

Together, the three stones – supplied by MGS and installed by Ligtvoet Natuursteen –establish a cohesive material language that flows throughout the residence. Rather than competing, they converse – unified by tone, scale, and thoughtful placement.