A Small Corten Steel House Takes The Place Of A Former Garage In Utrecht

It’s not very often that we come across a structure with such a paradoxical design. The Steel Craft House from Utrecht, The Netherlands, is a very special project for a multitude of reasons, most of which are related to its design and the way in which it was constructed. What’s immediately apparent is the Corten steel facade which was designed by Zecc Architecten.

The house is tall and narrow and sits flush with the two existing buildings on either side of it
The house is tall and narrow and sits flush with the two existing buildings on either side of it

The rest of the project was done by the owners themselves. The use of Corten steel as a building material sets the house apart from the neighboring buildings. It contrasts with the old brick facades of the other houses but in a way it also shares a lot of similarities with them. 

The general design, proportions and architecture of the house are similar to the neighboring houses but in a modern and stylized manner
The general design, proportions and architecture of the house are similar to the neighboring houses but in a modern and stylized manner

Elements such as the overall shape of the house and the proportions allow it to fit and to look very similar to the other buildings that it shares the street with. However, the choice of materials for the exterior facade make it stand out. At the same time, Corten steel develops a nice patina over time and changes as it ages the same as the brick that a lot of the neighboring houses have in their design. 

The exterior of the building is clad in Corten steel, a material that makes a strong and lasting impression
The exterior of the building is clad in Corten steel, a material that makes a strong and lasting impression

This back and forth game of differences and similarities between these houses make this such an intriguing and unusual project. The house is also just as strange and unusual on the inside as it is on the outside. Its interior is more or less a large and sculptural piece of furniture with several layers. The huge amount of oak wood sued throughout the interior makes this a very warm and welcoming home. 

The color of the steel and the patina give the house an eclectic look that stands out but also blends in
The color of the steel and the patina give the house an eclectic look that stands out but also blends in
The outline of a chimney and a roof line with a dormer can be distinguished
The outline of a chimney and a roof line with a dormer can be distinguished
The windows are recessed which maintains the privacy of the interior spaces
The windows are recessed which maintains the privacy of the interior spaces
The entrance is also recessed and marked by a double glass door that gives a peek at the interior
The entrance is also recessed and marked by a double glass door that gives a peek at the interior
The house is small and has a total living space of 95 square meters
The house is small and has a total living space of 95 square meters
The site on which the house is built was previously occupied by a garage
The site on which the house is built was previously occupied by a garage
The transformation of the site and the construction and design process spread across 10 years
The transformation of the site and the construction and design process spread across 10 years
A lot of the interior is clad in oak wood which creates a very warm and cozy ambiance inside
A lot of the interior is clad in oak wood which creates a very warm and cozy ambiance inside
The unusual layout and interior design give the impression of living inside an oversized piece of furniture
The unusual layout and interior design give the impression of living inside an oversized piece of furniture