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Older churches were built to stand the test of time, like this small Catholic chapel in Utrecht. Instead of tearing it down to make way for more housing, the chapel was converted ^[5] into a very modern residence. The adaptive reuse project ^[6] was carried about by Utrecht-based Zecc Architects ^[7], who have a lot of experience with renovations of cultural and historical sites. We wish would could have seen pictures from before they changed it, because we’re sure there is a stark contrast between the ultra-white minimalist interior and the former chapel (most likely very dim).

Very little of the chapel’s interior was changed to accommodate the new living quarters, save for an extension of the organ balcony further into the chapel. The interior naive of the church was turned into the main living room and a dining and a kitchen was added. Meanwhile the small private rooms were converted to a bedroom, bathroom and a reading room.

The interior of the church has been whitewashed and combined with minimalist furniture in basic black and wood, making the home very simple and bright. The private rooms are dimmer and less stark, like the bathroom, which is painted in a darker palette. Skylights were added to the roof to bring in more daylight ^[8], and the original stained glass windows were preserved, and now hang like works of art on the walls.

+ Zecc Architects ^[7]

Via Dornob ^[9]