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BOOK: DAVID CARR-SMITH - IMPROVISED ARCHITECTURE IN AMSTERDAM INDUSTRIAL SQUATS & COLLECTIVES
"TETTERODE" SQUAT 1981-/COLLECTIVE 1986 to-- - p4(of 13)
DA COSTAKADE: MERKELBACH APARTMENTS
<
TETTERODE - p1: INTRODUCTION <
< TETTERODE -
p2: PUBLIC-USE & WORK-SPACES <
< TETTERODE - p3: DACOSTAKADE BUILDINGS: MERKELBACH & HARTCAMP <
TETTERODE - p4: DACOSTAKADE MERKELBACH APTS
> TETTERODE - p5: DACOSTAKADE MERKELBACH APTS >
> TETTERODE - p5-1: DACOSTAKADE MERKELBACH APTS >
> TETTERODE - p6: DACOSTAKADE MERKELBACH APTS >
> TETTERODE - p7: DACOSTAKADE HARTCAMP APTS >
> TETTERODE - p7-1: DACOSTAKADE HARTCAMP APTS >
> TETTERODE - p8: DACOSTAKADE HARTCAMP APTS >
> TETTERODE - p8-1: DACOSTAKADE: HARTCAMP APTS >
> TETTERODE - p8-2: DACOSTAKADE: HARTCAMP APTS >
> TETTERODE - p9: BILDERDIJKSTRAAT BUILDINGS >
> TETTERODE - p10: BILDERDIJKSTRAAT APTS >
> TETTERODE - p11: BILDERDIJKSTRAAT APTS >
> TETTERODE - p12: BILDERDIJKSTRAAT APTS >
> TETTERODE - p13: BILDERDIJKSTRAAT APTS >
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MERKELBACH BUILDING (mb): DACOSTAKADE BLOCK FROM N END (pic 8-93 / to S) |
MERKELBACH BUILDING (mb): DACOSTAKADE EAST FACADE (pic 4-5-08 / to W) |
MERKELBACH BUILDING (mb): WEST FACADE (pic 19-10-06 / to NNE) The inner facade (overlooking the workshops of the N-end) - seen from the L3 bridge to Bilderdijk. |
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MERKELBACH BUILDING (Architect-Drawing: 19## / section WWS to EEN) |
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MERKELBACH HOMES & STUDIO-APTS ... in process
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Merkelbach's light facade poised on its floors, vertically free and stiffened with steel fins, belies the massive concrete slab-and-frame within - more oppressive in some of the new enclosures than it must have been when each floor was a single workshop and both sides visually opened into the space above the house-tops through the almost-full-height glazing. This building, made in the era of industrial-functionalism, lends to the apts that exploit it a sophisticated clarity; and to those that failed to recognise its style the rawness of a factory! Cosy homes are impossible to achieve in it.
In this section we will move upwards through Merkelbach's six living-space levels. Among the 15 living-spaces shown
the following six may serve as type-exemplars:
2/3/4/6
were built during the main phase of (post-legalisation)
building; the others more recently.
1 began as an
apt. 2
and 5 built apts within an existing studio-space. 3
and 4 divided a studio into work-space &
living-space. 6
~~~~~~~~?
Only 5
is completely
independent of their floor’s shared kitchen, shower and WC; 1 soon will be
(with the acquisition of a WC); 2 lacks only a WC; 4 lacks all three.
~~~~~6~~~?
1
mb-L2 - FRANK V
& ANJA N APT
(1991 -) ...
in process
A ‘final-phase' home - included here as evidence of Merkelbach design sophistication.
2 mb-L2
- THOM P
& BEA S STUDIO-APT (1989 -) ...
in process
An awkward L-shaped space not chosen
to contain an apt. The apt and studio lock around and over each other in a
somewhat haphazard contest for space. This is the only example of a family home
grafted into the work-space of one of its members.
3 mb-L4 - TINA S STUDIO-APT (1986 -) ... in process
4 mb-L5 - THEO L STUDIO-APT (1988 -)
Both long rectangular spaces, divided
between studio and apt.
5
mb-L5 - MARION B STUDIO-APT (1993 -) ...
in process
Topographically this is a very orderly and tiny version of 3: a home built
inside a studio. But here there is no struggle between the two, no competition
for space, the apt-facility is simply part of the work-space, transparent to it
and an object in it, as
practical a working-tool as the electric-saw.
6 mb-L6 - ANITA MOLL APT (1986 -) ... in process
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MERKELBACH: mb-L1
ENCLAVE & APTMerkelbach level 1 the so-called "Entresol" is a floor of rented work-spaces and one independent apt. The work-spaces are grouped inside a lockable enclave-like floor. This "Entresol" is the only 'above-ground-level' externally rented work-zone in Tetterode and is shown in the section on Tetterode's rented work-spaces [Ref: TET p1 / WORK-ZONE 3].
For some reason, on this level alone, the familiar floor-entry-door is set back by a half-bay resulting in a uniquely wide landing from which the "Entresol" work-zone and the independent apt both open. On this landing (also uniquely) is a shower/wc-room, used by the commuting workers and the independent apt.
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MERKELBACH
PLAN: LEVEL 1 - WITH WORK-ZONE 3 & AN INDEPENDENT "APT OF A MUSICIAN" [NB: "WORK-ZONE 3 - "ENTRESOL" is shown in TET-p2]
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mb-L1
LANDING WITH WORK-ZONE 3,
INDEPENDENT APT & LIFT ENTRIES Through the apt's cream-coloured door tuba music often issues . |
mb-L1
LANDING WITH SHOWER/WC & WORK-ZONE 3 ENTRIES |
mb-L1
LANDING SHOWER/WC ROOM Used by the floor's commuting workers and the occupier of the independent apt opposite. |
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INDEPENDENT APT ("THE APT OF A MUSICIAN") (mid-1980s - ) [mb-L1 /
E-side S-end 1½-bays] [recorded 2008]
[This space was first recorded in
2008 when the apt's title was chosen by
its occupant.]
Opening directly from a circulation route, this is one of very few Tetterode apts not part of a locked enclave. The apt wraps round the dc central-lift-shaft - its narrowed entry-way serving also as its kitchen. Across the landing opposite its entry is the floor's shower/wc facility which it must share with the Entresol work-zone commuters.
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mb-L1
INDEPENDENT
APT: ENTRY & KITCHEN |
mb-L1
INDEPENDENT
APT: SIT-PLACE TO ENTRY |
mb-L1
INDEPENDENT
APT: NORTH WALL STORAGE |
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mb-L1
INDEPENDENT
APT: SIT-PLACE |
mb-L1
INDEPENDENT
APT: SIT-PLACE |
mb-L1 INDEPENDENT
APT: SW CORNER - MUSIC & BED |
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MERKELBACH: mb-L2
ENCLAVE
[Shown below are 2 of the enclave's 3 living-spaces. These were both re-recorded in 2008 and the old
and new results are displayed here 'in parallel'.]
What is now the mb-L2 enclave was originally a single space - the huge studio of Christine H. Its pre 1984 dividing was planned by Christine, Anja Nagelkerke and Thom Puckey.
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MERKELBACH: PLAN - LEVEL 2 ENCLAVE [mb-L2] (Architect-Drawing 1986 / top is EEN) |
MERKELBACH: PLAN - LEVEL 2 ENCLAVE [mb-L2] (Plan: Mikel van Gelderen 2006 / info 2008 / top is EEN) |
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ANJA NAGELKERKE LIVING-SPACE (STUDIO 1984 - & APT 1986 -) [mb-L2 / S-end E & W-sides ] [recorded 1993 / 2008] ... in process
In the 1980s Anja had two distinct spaces on opposite sides of the level 2 enclave corridor - a studio on the east side and an apt on the west. When I recorded them in 1993/4 Anja's studio was her private space but her apt was shared and was designed by her and Frank Voet (whose work space was a large workshop in the North-End work-area).
When I next recorded the level-2 enclave in 2008 these two rather seperated spaces had consolidated into one huge live-work family apartment whose complex mezzanine floor bridged the enclave corridor.
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ANJA NAGELKERKE STUDIO-OFFICE (1984 -) [mb-L2 / E-side S-end] [recorded 1993]
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ANJA STUDIO-OFFICE (pic 8-93 / to SW) |
ANJA STUDIO-OFFICE (pic 8-93 / to EES) |
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ANJA NAGELKERKE & FRANK VOET APT (1986 -) [mb-L2 / W-side S-end ] [recorded in 1993 & 94]
Anja Nagelkirk's apt was designed and built by her and Frank Voet from 1987 (during the post-legalisation building-boom) on a narrow site along 2 bays of the west side, with a mezzanine extension over the enclave passage; most was completed by 1988. Apart from its magnificent glass-walled living-room it is notable for the inventiveness and humour, yet elegant practicality of Frank's furniture and fittings, made in the large sophisticated wood-workshop at the rear of mb-L0. Anja has a seperate studio/office on the east side - entered across the enclave passage opposite the smaller apt
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ANJA & FRANK APT: FROM ENTRY/KITCHEN (pic 8-93 / to N) |
ANJA & FRANK APT: WOONKAMER FROM MEZZANINE STAIR (pic 9-94 / to NW) In the living-room the floor has been raised to window height. |
ANJA & FRANK APT: WOONKAMER FROM MEZZANINE (pic 9-94 / to SW) |
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ANJA & FRANK APT: MEZZANINE FROM WOONKAMER (pic 9-94 / to EES) |
ANJA & FRANK APT: MEZZANINE WINDOW FROM WOONKAMER (pic 8-93 / to E) |
ANJA & FRANK APT: MEZZANINE (pic 9-94 / to N) The mezzanine is mainly constructed over the enclave entry-passage. |
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ANJA & FRANK APT: MEZZANINE: FRANK: NURSERY FURNITURE (pic 8-93 / to NNE) Linked pieces: 'Commode' (1991) "for Job's birth"; 2: Cupboard (1993) "for Sasha's birth". |
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ANJA NAGELKERKE APT (1998 --) [mb-L2 / S-end E & W-sides ] [recorded in 2008] ... in process
NOTES
::
This 1998 version of Anja's apt is still in process.
It required all the services to be renewed or
resited
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ANJA APT: EAST LIVING-SPACE (paste-up 2-pics 25-4-08 / to SSE) |
ANJA APT: WEST WORKSHOP (pic 25-4-08 / to SE) |
ANJA APT: MEZZANINE - CHILDS BEDROOM (paste-up 2-pics 25-4-08 / to #) |
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THOM PUCKEY & BEA STIENSTRA LIVING-SPACE (STUDIO 1982 -- & APT 1989 --) [mb-L2 / N-end] [recorded 1993 / 2008] ... in process
In 1982 when Thom Puckey set up a sculpture studio in mb-L2 “the whole 400m2 floor was an open space, one could choose to work anywhere”. Thom publicised mb-L2 as “an alternative art space, for exhibitions etc”. As more artists moved in (to work not to live) more spaces were flimsily demarcated. After the 1986 legalisation the floor’s four users divided it with permanent walls. Thom’s is the largest space, spanning the 17m width at the north end, an L-shaped 120m2.
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THOM
PUCKEY & BEA STIENSTRA LIVING-SPACE [mb-L2 / N-end] [recorded
1993 & 94]
[Written c1994]
The family apartment is a recent addition to the long-established studio. Started in 1989 the apt grew until 1992, adding about 65m2 of platform to the space. The studio and the apt each have their own full (4·8m) height portion of the space: the studio has 9 metres on the inner side of the building, on the Dacostakade side the apt’s full-height portion is only 2m; between they share the height: the apt over the studio’s store. They lock over and around each other, uneasily compromising both their spatial needs.
Entering from the enclave’s corridor one turns left through a curtain into the big studio, where almost nothing compromises the industrial character of the building except the extraordinary overhanging ‘village’ of board and glass boxed-spaces: the intruding 'exterior' of the apt, pushed up on wood and steel-supported platforms around two of the studio’s inner sides - their pillars, platforms, walls and windows in a dynamic counterpoint with the huge concrete beams and ceiling. A dramatic demonstration of the power of the unpredictable, achievable at this degree of preciseness and detail only through procedures akin to un-premeditated events: in this case those of ‘chance’ or ad hoc practicality.
Up on the platform inside the ribbed-plastic wall, the apt’s foyer - a ‘sketch’ in Modern-movement idiom - introduces the basics of the apt: white board walls, minimal steel balustrade, ply-board floor, and massive concrete ceiling. From here one may choose to turn and pass through two connected box-like children's bedrooms on a narrow extension of the platform around the SE studio fringe; or enter a plain grey front-door into a dark hall between shower-room (no wc: plumbing was prohibitive) and kitchen - out through a second door onto a bright balcony-like living-room, facing a huge window onto the trees and houseboats of Dacostakade, edged with a balustrade over the awkward 2m slot tucked behind the rear of the studio-store: the adults’ bed-space.
If it does not achieve the calm of resolved form, its mis-match of sophisticated fittings and awkward volumes at least ensures interesting tensions and its interface with the studio has the exciting immediacy of all ad hoc events.
By 1995 the living-room mezzanine had been extended to its window, and the studio enlarged by renting extra outside Tetterode - the space had gone through a circular progression!
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THOM & BEA: LIVING-SPACE ENTRY - ENCLAVE PASSAGE SOUTH-END DOOR (pic 8-93 / to NNW) Facing the enclave's passage at its north end is the entry door of Thom and Bea's living-space; opening directly into Thom's studio. To the left of the door is the enclave's fire-escape passage which skirts part of the living-space's west side to a west-facade escape-window. |
THOM: STUDIO (pic 8-93 / to NW) Thom studio from entry corner |
THOM: STUDIO (pic 9-94 / to NNW)
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THOM & BEA: STUDIO & DOMESTIC FACADES (pic 8-93 / to E) The interior facade of the apt confronts the studio, facing its big windows. Over the curtained entry-hall is a child’s small bedroom - this later addition serves as a bridge between the apt’s foyer and another child’s bedroom built along the studio’s S end wall above the enclave’s fire-escape corridor. Behind this facade the apt spans the building’s width to the Dacostakade side. |
THOM & BEA: STUDIO & DOMESTIC FACADES (pic 9-94 / to SE) |
THOM & BEA: STUDIO & DOMESTIC MEZZANINE SUPPORT DETAIL (pic 8-93 / to E) This corner of a later extension to the original living-space mezzanine (a child's bedroom) is supported over the studio with a steel tube, an RSJ, and self-made bracket (a sound-speaker obscures the platforms' junction). The curtain behind hides the space's entry door. |
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THOM & BEA: STUDIO & DOMESTIC FACADE - VIEW FROM MEZZANINE S-END (pic 9-94 / to N)
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THOM & BEA: DOMESTIC MEZZANINE STAIR & LANDING (pic 8-93 / to N) A stair from the studio leads directly to the 'front-door' of the main part of the apt. Between this door and a second door opening onto the living-space mezzanine is a central passage between shower and kitchen. The childrens' bedrooms [behind us in the pic] are a seperate unit. |
THOM & BEA: DOMESTIC MEZZANINE (pic 9-94 / to NW) This part of the living-space is built over the studio store. |
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THOM & BEA: DOMESTIC MEZZANINE (pic 9-94 / to SSE)
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THOM & BEA: MEZZANINE - VIEW DOWN INTO BED SPACE (pic 9-94 / to SE) The mezzanine stops short of the huge window leaving a 2m slot that serves as the adults bed space. |
THOM & BEA: BED SPACE FROM MEZZANINE STAIR (pic 8-93 / to NW) The bed space is at studio floor level, walled off from the studio store beneath the mezzanine. |
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THOM PUCKEY & BEA STIENSTRA LIVING-SPACE [mb-L2 / N-end] [recorded 2008] ... in process
xxxxxxx ... in process
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THOM & BEA: ENCLAVE PASSAGE TO LIVING-SPACE ENTRY (pic 25-4-08 / to NW) |
THOM & BEA: LIVING-SPACE ENTRY - ENCLAVE PASSAGE SOUTH-END DOOR (pic 25-4-08 / to NNW) |
THOM & BEA: STUDIO - LIVING-SPACE ENTRY DOOR (pic 5-5-08 / to SE) |
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THOM & BEA: STUDIO - LIVING-SPACE ENTRY DOOR DETAIL (pic 5-5-08 / to SSE) |
THOM & BEA: STUDIO (pic 5-5-08 / to WWN) |
THOM & BEA: STUDIO - CENTRE AREA (pic 5-5-08 / to SE) |
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THOM & BEA: STUDIO - SW CORNER (pic 5-5-08 / to SW) |
THOM & BEA: STUDIO DETAIL - WORK-TABLE WITH FIGURE-ARMATURE (pic 5-5-08 / to S) |
THOM & BEA: STUDIO - DOMESTIC MEZZANINE NORTH EXTENSION (pic 5-5-08 / to NNE) |
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THOM & BEA: STUDIO - DOMESTIC MEZZANINE NORTH EXTENSION: BEDROOM FACADE (pic 5-5-08 / to E) [Ref: pic-19 below for bedroom interior] |
THOM & BEA: STUDIO - BETWEEN NORTH & SOUTH MEZZANINES (pic 5-5-08 / to EEN) |
THOM & BEA: STUDIO - STAIR TO DOMESTIC MEZZANINE (pic 5-5-08 / to N) |
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THOM & BEA: DOMESTIC MEZZANINE STAIR & LANDING (pic 5-5-08 / to NNW) |
THOM & BEA: DOMESTIC MEZZANINE NORTH PORTION - VIEW OF STUDIO (pic 5-5-08 / to S) The mezzanine's extended north portion has an inner 'landing' that terminates at its south end at a small balcony. Here we can look down into the studio or across to the mezzanine's extended south portion with its narrow inner-corner window. |
THOM & BEA: DOMESTIC MEZZANINE SOUTH PORTION - INNER-CORNER WINDOW VIEW (pic 5-5-08 / to NW) |
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THOM & BEA: DOMESTIC MEZZANINE SOUTH PORTION (pic 5-5-08 / to NNW) |
THOM & BEA: DOMESTIC MEZZANINE SOUTH PORTION - BEDROOM (pic 5-5-08 / to NNE)
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THOM & BEA: DOMESTIC MEZZANINE SOUTH PORTION - BEDROOM (pic 5-5-08 / to NW)
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THOM & BEA: DOMESTIC MEZZANINE NORTH PORTION - BEDROOM (pic 5-5-08 / to W) [Ref: pic-10 above for external (studio) facade] |
THOM & BEA: DOMESTIC MEZZANINE - KITCHEN (paste-up 2-pics 5-5-08 / to SW) |
THOM & BEA: DOMESTIC MEZZANINE - LIVING-ROOM (pic 5-5-08 / to SSW) |
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THOM & BEA: DOMESTIC MEZZANINE - LIVING-ROOM (pic 5-5-08 / to SE) |
THOM & BEA: DOMESTIC MEZZANINE - LIVING-ROOM (pic 5-5-08 / to NNW) |
THOM & BEA: DOMESTIC MEZZANINE - LIVING-ROOM WINDOW (pic 5-5-08 / to SE) The window overlooks Da Costakade. |
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THOM & BEA: DOMESTIC MEZZANINE - WASH ROOM (pic 5-5-08 / to #) |
THOM & BEA: DOMESTIC MEZZANINE - WC (pic 5-5-08 / to #) |
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<
TETTERODE - p1: INTRODUCTION < <
TETTERODE -
p3: DACOSTAKADE BUILDINGS: MERKELBACH & HARTCAMP <
TETTERODE - p4: DACOSTAKADE
MERKELBACH APTS >
TETTERODE - p5: DACOSTAKADE MERKELBACH APTS > >
TETTERODE - p5-1: DACOSTAKADE MERKELBACH APTS > >
TETTERODE - p6: DACOSTAKADE MERKELBACH APTS > >
TETTERODE - p7: DACOSTAKADE HARTCAMP APTS > >
TETTERODE - p7-1: DACOSTAKADE HARTCAMP APTS > >
TETTERODE - p8: DACOSTAKADE HARTCAMP APTS > >
TETTERODE - p8-1: DACOSTAKADE: HARTCAMP APTS > >
TETTERODE - p8-2: DACOSTAKADE: HARTCAMP APTS > >
TETTERODE - p9: BILDERDIJKSTRAAT BUILDINGS > >
TETTERODE - p10: BILDERDIJKSTRAAT APTS > >
TETTERODE - p11: BILDERDIJKSTRAAT APTS > >
TETTERODE - p12: BILDERDIJKSTRAAT APTS > >
TETTERODE - p13: BILDERDIJKSTRAAT APTS >
< TETTERODE -
p2: PUBLIC-USE & WORK-SPACES <
