A Sculptural Black Timber Home in the Netherlands by i29

Redefining Aging-in-Place with Architectural Elegance

Dutch architecture studio i29 has crafted a minimalist yet expressive home that redefines independent living for seniors. Named Senior Shelter, the 100 square meter residence was designed for an elderly couple and is situated in the garden of their children’s property in Hoofddorp, a town surrounded by trees and greenery in the Netherlands.

Wrapped in black timber and crowned with a striking white-raftered gable roof, this single-story home is a thoughtful example of multi-generational living that balances privacy, independence, and family connection — all within a clean, sculptural form. 

Architectural Concept: Bold Simplicity with a Human Touch

A Clear and Powerful Form

At the heart of the design is a large gable roof, whose extended eaves create sheltered walkways around the house, providing both functional protection from the elements and a sense of spatial depth. The contrast between the white-painted interior rafters and the black timber exterior creates a visual rhythm that anchors the house in its lush natural setting.

“We sought a form strong enough to stand alone, yet open to dialogue with its surroundings,” i29 said.

This clear volumetric approach establishes the home as a sculptural object while ensuring it remains inviting and comfortable for its elderly occupants. 

Materials and Finishes: Craft Meets Comfort

Warm Interiors Framed by Durable Exteriors

The use of materials in Senior Shelter is deliberate and precise, designed to reflect a sense of warmth, openness, and harmony. Inside, light oak wall cladding runs seamlessly around the interior, emphasizing the structure’s high ceilings and calm ambiance. This is complemented by:

• Custom joinery built to match the needs of aging residents
• A soft grey concrete floor that adds durability and modern elegance
• Sliding glass doors and retractable panels that blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces

The combination creates a living space that is both visually soothing and functionally adaptable.

Table of Materials and Brands Used

Multi-Generational Living: Connection Without Compromise

Senior Shelter was conceived not just as a dwelling, but as a solution to modern intergenerational living. Positioned a short distance from the main family home, it allows the couple to remain close to their children and grandchildren — yet far enough to preserve personal space and routine.

The architectural arrangement supports this dynamic:

• Open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas surround a central patio, encouraging natural light and creating a feeling of openness.
• Sliding glass doors allow the interior to flow into the outdoor courtyard, enhancing accessibility and visual comfort.
• Bedroom and bathroom zones are tucked into the northern wing of the house, forming a quiet, private retreat.

This layout enables daily independence while preserving emotional closeness, making it an ideal model for aging in place with dignity. 

A Patio as the Social Heart

Bridging Interior and Exterior Living

At the center of the house lies a compact patio courtyard, the nucleus of daily activity. Flanked by retractable glass doors, the space serves as an extension of the living area, blurring the boundary between indoors and nature.

The patio not only enhances natural ventilation and daylighting, but also creates a protected, easily accessible outdoor area — a valuable feature for elderly residents.

“The interior extends seamlessly into the garden. It’s not just a house; it’s a quiet retreat woven into the landscape,” the architects noted.

Interior Design: A Soft Minimalism

The interior of Senior Shelter embraces a soft minimalist aesthetic. Far from cold or clinical, it uses natural textures and clean lines to foster a sense of peace and comfort. The consistent use of materials — from the light oak cladding to the cool concrete floor — helps unify the space while accentuating the high ceilings under the gable roof.

• Custom cabinetry makes daily tasks easier for older occupants.
• The open plan ensures visual continuity and reduces barriers.
• Neutral tones enhance serenity and reduce visual clutter.

Every design decision — from door placements to furniture integration — reflects i29’s sensitivity to functional aging, spatial awareness, and design psychology.

Influences and Comparable Projects

Senior Shelter shares design philosophies with a growing number of age-friendly architectural innovations across the globe. These include:

• Cooroy House in Queensland, an off-grid retirement retreat in Australia
• A Madrid senior residence by Ignacio G Galán and OF Architects, featuring a sawtooth roof for daylight management
• Concepts promoted by AARP’s Livable Communities and The World Health Organization focused on age-inclusive design

About the Studio: i29

Founded in the Netherlands, i29 is an award-winning design studio known for projects that blend minimalism, functionality, and sustainability. With expertise across architecture, interiors, and product design, i29 consistently produces environments that are as intelligent as they are beautiful.

Previous work includes cultural institutions, educational spaces, and private residences — all reflecting a commitment to design with purpose.

Explore more at www.i29.nl

 A Vision for Aging with Grace

The Senior Shelter project goes beyond building a home — it proposes a new model for aging-in-place, where autonomy and architectural quality coexist. By combining aesthetic clarity, natural materials, and functional comfort, i29 has created a space that respects both the environment and its inhabitants.

As societies around the world confront aging populations and evolving family structures, projects like Senior Shelter shine as inspiring blueprints for future-ready homes — where age is not a limitation, but a design opportunity.