This design for the residence of the Syrian Honorary Consul Munim al-Chaman in Rotterdam is a case study for Islamic homes in the Netherlands. The project explores the possibilities and consequences of building an Islamic dwelling type in this country. My design for Villa al-Chaman came about after conducting an in-depth analysis of the spatial order and cultural background of Beit Nizam, an 18th-century house in the old centre of Damascus, the capital of Syria.

Combining the consul's residence with a cultural centre creates social relationships in the home comparable to those at Beit Nizam, though the programmatic context is quite different. By clustering the programme as in Beit Nizam, the various components function as homes within homes. This allows the residents, their high-ranking guests and visitors to the cultural centre to exist alongside each other undisturbed. The clusters are combined with three patios. All the key spaces, such as guest reception areas and living quarters, lie along the courtyard garden and so profit from the air and light entering from the patio.

Situated at a prominent place in the urban masterplan for Le Medi in Rotterdam West, Villa al-Chaman is to determine in large measure the planned Mediterranean resonance of this district. The house divides the public space in the middle of its triangular site into two squares. The square at the front acts as a formal entry zone for the consul's guests. A nearby park flows glacier-like into the square behind the house providing a green setting for the residence. This places the house on the dividing line between city and nature, as a true contemporary villa.

During the day the open core is used as a cultural centre where people from the neighbourhood and beyond can gather; in the evening it is where the consul receives his high-ranking guests. This mix of cultural centre and residence forges a close link with the neighbourhood. The inward-looking house opens up with an inviting gesture. By opening up the large glass section of facade, the auditorium is transformed into a theatre and the square can be filled with seating. The resident's hospitality is expressed in the open plan configuration. There is a delicate balance observable between public and private, district and family. This enables the different cultures to co-exist whilst retaining their identity.

The residence is a sturdy, solid building with a distinctive facade of crackle-glazed ceramic tiles specially developed for this project. The exterior recalls the arabesque patterns of Islamic artists.

Place of education: TU Delft
Specialization: architecture
Tutors: Ronald Janssen, Sieds de Jong, Otakar Mácˇel