A True Design Failure: A Residential Block in the Netherlands

Contents:

• The Beginning of the History of Spherical Houses
• The Perfect Form
• What's Inside?
• The Failure of the Bolwoningen Houses
• Bolwoningen Houses Today

Bolwoningen is a unique canal district in a small town in the Netherlands. Here, you'll see concrete spheres with porthole windows, reminiscent of flying objects from science fiction films. However, this original architectural concept, conceived as an innovative solution, ultimately proved to be a design and architectural failure. Despite its ambitious ideas, the district failed to implement its plans, which is of interest to tourists and architects studying the mistakes in modern design.

The beginning of the history of spherical

In the late 1960s, the Dutch government initiated funding for experimental housing projects, which resulted in the emergence of unique architectural works. Among these, Piet Blom's "Cube Houses" in Rotterdam and Helmond, as well as the Kasbah complex in Hengelo, stand out. Of particular note are the Bolwoningen houses, which have become a symbol of innovative urban development in the Netherlands. These projects not only changed the appearance of cities, but also became an important part of the country's architectural heritage, attracting the attention of tourists and researchers from all over the world.

In the picturesque town of 's-Hertogenbosch, there is an unusual residential settlement set among traditional brick buildings and winding canals. The name bolwoningen translates as "light bulb house" or "ball house", which accurately reflects their original shape, reminiscent of giant golf balls. Architect Dries Kreijkamp, ​​who created these unique structures, drew inspiration from African mud huts and Eskimo igloos. These houses not only attract attention with their unusual architecture but also blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, creating a unique architectural ensemble.

While working on the project, Dries created a prototype, placing it in the backyard of his house in Vlijmen. The prototype did not have a cylindrical base, as two spheres and one hemisphere were installed directly on the ground. Dries originally envisioned this particular form for the houses within his project. However, during the implementation, it became necessary to make changes to the design.

A cylindrical foundation was added to the design, and the material was changed. The artist, who proposed a simple and easy-to-install design, initially designed it out of polyester, which ensured lightness. However, the polyester was replaced with two layers of cement concrete reinforced with fiberglass and mineral wool insulation. Despite these changes, Kreijkamp remained confident that building houses in 's-Hertogenbosch was only the first step, and he dreamed of scaling up the project. However, unforeseen difficulties arose.

Perfect Form

Dries Kreijkamp had a deep fascination with the shape of the sphere and openly shared his admiration in a number of interviews. This geometric figure became a source of inspiration for him, symbolizing harmony and perfection. Kreykamp emphasized that the sphere represents the perfect balance between form and function, making it an important element in his work. His works often reflect this concept, demonstrating how simplicity and complexity can coexist in a single object. The globe's shape is ideal and natural. Roundness surrounds us everywhere: we live on the globe and are part of its nature. The globe combines maximum volume with minimal surface area, making it efficient in its use of materials. This form saves space, has high environmental performance, and requires minimal maintenance. The globe is not only a practical but also a harmonious solution for representing our planet.

Bolwoningen is a unique complex consisting of 50 spherical residential buildings. Each house is approximately 5.5 meters in diameter and features 11 round windows, providing natural light and comfortable living. These houses require no permanent foundation, significantly simplifying the construction process and reducing energy costs. Each house weighs only 1,250 kg, making them easy to assemble and transport. These tiny houses are ideal for up to two people. Thanks to their lightweight, affordable, and adaptable design, spherical homes can be installed in a wide variety of settings, making them a great choice for those looking for creative housing solutions.

And what Inside?

The layout of this building is unique. The cylindrical base serves as the entrance to the building, which houses a staircase, storage rooms, and utility rooms. Visitors enter the upper floor, which houses a spherical residential unit. If the house's structure is considered a combination of various forms, its second section is a spherical structure housing all the living spaces. Overall, the house consists of two hemispheres and a traditional extension at the bottom.

Inside the sphere are a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom. All these spaces are well lit thanks to porthole windows. The bed is accessed via a spiral staircase that circles the interior of the sphere, past the toilet and bathroom, and leads to the living room and kitchen. This unique design allows for efficient use of space, creating a comfortable and cozy atmosphere.

A large ceiling light and six circular windows, each 1.2 meters in diameter, provide the room with an abundance of light. Instead of traditional levels and rooms, the circular space is divided into open platforms and functional zones that are harmoniously connected. This layout, according to the designer, creates a feeling of spaciousness in each of the 55-square-meter spheres, which contributes to a comfortable and cozy living.

Failure of the house project Bolwoningen

From the beginning of discussions until the completion of the experimental village, the project received increased attention. After construction, journalists, architects, and tourists from all over the world visited the properties to appreciate the unique design and innovative solutions. The experimental village became a point of interest for specialists and architecture enthusiasts, as well as a platform for the exchange of experiences in the field of sustainable construction.

The unusual shape of the interior truly attracts attention, but residents face certain challenges. The rounded walls, running from floor to ceiling, make it difficult to place standard rectangular or square furniture. Some owners of the spherical houses managed to create a cozy space, but most were unable to overcome this challenge. This underscores the importance of a thoughtful approach to choosing furniture and decor for such unique interiors.

Despite the attractive views from the round windows and the unique architecture, residents struggled to find privacy in these houses. After moving in, the shortcomings of such an unusual design began to become apparent. The furniture selection issues turned out to be minor. Limited space prevented adequate storage, the roof was constantly leaking, and one of the houses was completely flooded. These factors significantly complicated the residents' lives and called into question the advisability of living in such an unusual architectural design.

In the mid-1990s, the housing corporation planned to demolish the Bolwoningen buildings due to numerous complaints from homeowners. However, thanks to active efforts by heritage conservationists and the public, these buildings were saved. After meticulous restoration and the addition of storage annexes that blended harmoniously with the architectural ensemble, the municipality abandoned the demolition plan. Thus, the Bolwoningen buildings retained their historical value and continue to serve as homes for new generations.

Dries Kreykamp did not give up and continued to implement his "spherical" projects. He developed hundreds of plans and estimates for the development of new facilities in the coming years, but was never able to receive a single additional grant. Despite the challenges, his tenacity and creativity continue to inspire others to create innovative solutions in architecture and urban planning.

Bolwoningen Houses Today

Bolwoningen remains a symbol of the era when the Dutch government actively supported experimental research in architecture. However, the project was not developed further and remained only a prototype, similar to Piet Blom's cube houses. This building continues to attract the attention of architects and researchers interested in innovation and unconventional approaches to construction. Despite its lack of commercial success, Bolwoningen serves as an important reminder of the bold experiments in design and urban planning that shaped the modern architectural landscape of the Netherlands.

Bolwoningen is still home to residents, What gives this district its special atmosphere. This unique district is a significant tourist attraction, annually attracting hundreds of travelers eager to explore the postmodern architectural designs created by Dutch architects. A visit to Bolwoningen offers the opportunity not only to appreciate the unusual buildings but also to immerse yourself in the region's cultural heritage.

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