Sonneveld House
Functionalism emerged at the beginning of the twentieth century and had its heyday in the interwar years. Sonneveld House, built between 1929 and 1933, is one of the best-preserved private houses in this style in the Netherlands.
Dutch Functionalism
Light, air and space were important qualities for Functionalist architects. They strove to create a healthy living environment with abundant fresh air and sunlight for their buildings’ residents and users. The building’s function and the needs of the residents were more important to these architects than the building’s monumentality. They designed efficient and hygienic buildings using modern techniques and materials such as steel and concrete. Functional floor plans with freely divided spaces gave the buildings an open and light appearance, which was reinforced by balconies and terraces. Their buildings contrasted greatly with traditional, closed houses and apartment blocks.
Brinkman & Van der Vlugt
Sonneveld House was designed by the architectural firm of Brinkman & Van der Vlugt, one of the most important and successful offices between the wars and one of the main exponents of the functionalist Nieuwe Bouwen [New Building] style in the Netherlands. Brinkman took on the technical side of the collaboration, leaving the design largely to Van der Vlugt. In the early days of the agency, Van Nelle was its most important client. Brinkman & Van der Vlugt was not only responsible for the Van Nelle factory in Rotterdam, but also designed branches in Leiden and Utrecht. In addition, directors such as Cees van der Leeuw and Albertus Sonneveld commissioned the firm to design their residential villas – known today as Van der Leeuw House and Sonneveld House.
Bouwen voor het licht. Part 1, and Bouwen voor het licht. Part 2 Film about the building history of the Van Nelle Factory.