The Walta-Elmers family commissioned VMX Architects to design their house on ‘Kleine Rieteiland’, one of the islands of IJburg. The client wanted a spacious, open house with plenty of light. The plot measures 8 by 30 metres. By studying several models, the concept of ‘woonlandschap’ (living-landscape) was chosen.                                       

The ground floor, containing the living and kitchen, in a split level typology, has the possibility to completely open to the outside and thereby create a partly covered living-landscape of 8 by 30 metres. This landscape is articulated with a higher and lower level. Under the higher level a multifunctional cellar is placed. The bedroom level is accessed by a spiral staircase. A round roof-light above the stairs brings light into the living-landscape The façade on the first level is completely closed with patio blocks. This suggests a floating box over the open landscape on the ground level.