HOUSE OF THE FUTURE

December 2023 - January 2024

Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands

Commissioned by: foundation Huis van de Toekomst

Photography: Frank Hanswijk

► temporary community project

► designing methods to facilitate energy transition

► renewable, locally generated energy: human power, solar power, biogas power


The House of the Future (Huis van de Toekomst), set up by the artist Melle Smets, is an innovative project focused on energy transition and sustainable living in the neighbourhood of Bospolder-Tussendijken, Rotterdam – all seen from an artistic and socially engaged perspective.

Teaming up with designer Maurik Stomps and working collaboratively with the project members, we developed a concept and design for the show- and living room of the project, committed to using already existing materials. Our goal was to create an open, inclusive, and inviting atmosphere — all achieved without relying on central heating.

Our approach included insulation using recycled cotton mats, repurposed carpet tiles, and timber. To enhance both insulation and moisture retention, we fashioned curtains from local sheep wool, creating partitions within the space. Perforated boards from the ROSy furniture series in ceiling panels and furniture underline the modular options for the space.

The implementation of a modified Korsi enabled the communtiy to stay warm during meetings or working sessions in the winter.

In the coming time, we plan to implement more features around the topic of generating renewable energy locally, managing it communally and implementing it in the everyday processes of the foundations´ projects.