Background information:
Homes built in, or at least inspired by, the architectural style of the 1920s and 1930s are very popular in the decades around 2020. Also this row of 3 houses built in 1927. Original 1930s houses, as it is called by the real estate agency. The attraction in this case also lies in the location (Amstelveen within cycling distance of the Amsterdam Zuidas) and the position on the water, which explains the house numbering of this row. Not visible, but it is known that some families have lived with great pleasure in one and the same house for more than 50 years. What is visible from an architectural point of view is that some houses have been extensively renovated, so that the house has changed along with the life course of the residents. Usually so that people can live there longer with pleasure. The renovation does put pressure on the situation from an architectural point of view. While these houses were designed with great care in the 1920s and 1930s, the extensions and other changes are undoubtedly practical in nature, but rarely fully in line with the original design philosophy. The principle of "function follows form" could and still applies to architects, in other words how it looks is more important than how it can be used. And that idea is somehow appreciated given the popularity of these types of houses.
Architectural details:
Designed and built in the 1920s. So with the insights of almost 100 years ago. Aesthetically, according to many, commendable. But in practical terms it can be improved over the course of decades. Double glazing has replaced the small panes in the frames for single larger glass surfaces and the central heating has not only made the coal stoves disappear, but in some cases also the entire chimney. In the meantime, some planters attached to the buildings have also been changed or removed. But the literally biggest changes can be found in the backyards and on the roof, in the form of extensions and dormer windows. For example, only the woodwork on the side wall of house number 52 still shows a reminder of the lost bell-roof. The argument for more volume of interior space wins out over the original aesthetically balanced design philosophy. Residents therefore go for the line "Form follows function".
