Start Slideshow
Black PearlCeilings that look like floors, staircases that lead to nowhere, and impossible angles and paths that both ascend and descend at the same time are all hallmarks of famed artist MC Escher's architectural drawings - but who knew you could see them in real life? You can if you check out <a href="http://www.rolf.fr/architecture/studio_in_rotterdam/" target="_blank">Studio Rolf.fr</a>'s intriguing Rotterdam townhouse renovation. All of the surfaces in the house blend together in a way that makes it difficult to discern which way is up and which way is down! Rolf had help of <a href="http://www.zecc.nl/Projecten/stedenbouwkundige_studies/project/73/Black_pearl_Rotterdam?photo=8" target="_blank">Zecc Architects</a> in this crazy <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/green-renovatio" target="_blank">renovation</a>, and the result is what they're calling the "Black Pearl".1
Black PearlRolf of Studio Rolf.fr bought this 100 year old rowhouse in Amsterdam and renovated it to evoke a memory of MC Escher's architectural landscapes.2
Black PearlThe home is named the Black Pearl due to its ominous black exterior, which is strikingly different from the surrounding homes.3
Black PearlNew modern box windows were cut into the exterior, intersecting with the old windows.4
Black PearlThe old windows are still visible underneath all the old paint.5
Black PearlThe old interior was completely gutted to make way for the new interior.6
Black PearlInside, the home is at first strikingly modern, but then it starts to become confusing.7
Black PearlStairs meld with walls, ceilings and floors.8
Black PearlLooking up at stairs from the bottom makes it seem like you're upside down.9
Black PearlAnd ghosts of the past home are still visible in the sides of the building.10
Black PearlAll unnecessary or redundant staircases, balustrades, balcony fences, banisters and doors have been left out to confuse the eye.11
Black PearlFloors, walls, stairs and ceilings fuse and sometimes seem to evoke an 'Escher-like' impossibility.12
Black PearlThe bottom floor provides space for Rolf's studio and workspace.13
Black PearlThe work space leads back into a yard behind the house that includes a bamboo garden.14
Black PearlThe second floor provides space for the kitchen and living room and the third floor is the master suite.15
Black PearlFinally the stairs lead up to the roof, where there is a greenhouse and lots of plants.16
Black PearlThe greenhouse is used to house a jacuzzi.17
Black PearlThe floorplan of the Black Pearl.18
Black PearlSection drawings of the Black Pearl.19
