These three canal houses housing this cosmopolitan apartment at Herengracht 332-336 beautifully reflect the layered building history of Amsterdam’s canal belt.

The oldest building and national monument, at no. 334, was built in 1620 at the time of the construction of this part of the canal belt. Although heavily remodelled, the 17th-century façade is still recognisable by the stepped gable end and the bannisters and natural stone between the red bricks. Also, to the cantilevered first-floor beam, intended to drain water from the facade. The building at No 336 dates from the first quarter of the 18th century and is also registered as a national monument. The recognisable elements for the time are a bell-shaped richly decorated top with decorated hoisting beam and hoisting hatch and further a classical façade layout.

The apartment, located on the first floor, has no fewer than eight windows facing the canal, spread across the three attached properties. Steel doors with frosted glass, also designed by Marc Prosman, give access to a very special Japanese ZEN space, designed by Aad Bos, Designer and Founder – Mokko Amsterdam. “The space acts as a resting point in the house. From the kitchen, you walk over the massive beams into the space. The beams are separate from each other to create a moment of awareness of transition, like ‘stepping stones’ do in Japanese Zen gardens…,” says the designer. The oak beams stem from a single tree.

The design of the space evolved from the idea and philosophy of creating a central space for rest and reflection, inspired by Japanese aesthetics and culture. The client’s wish was to have a space decorated in Japanese style, emphasising emptiness and a sense of harmony in an environment full of collected objects and art.

The biggest inspiration for the design was the intertwining of aesthetics and craft in Japanese culture.

The design and furnishing of the space are aimed at maintaining a very spatial and minimalist look. The emphasis is on avoiding unnecessary objects and creating an oasis of calm. Natural materials, such as limestone, washi paper, cedar, French oak, American walnut and jute, have been used to create a connection with nature.

Most of the furniture is handmade by artisans in Amsterdam and Japan. Each piece of furniture is designed specifically for the space and contributes to the overall harmony and aesthetic of the interior. For example, the Hari coffee table, as an original design, was at the heart of the designer’s current product collection.

At the front of the ZEN room, French doors and tall windows create a special relationship with the canal. The morning light, as well as the reflected evening light flowing into the room through these windows, is truly beautiful.

The view of the canal from the eight windows makes this apartment rare. Inside, a particularly beautiful light filtered through the trees on the canal falls, giving a fairy-like effect. You don’t often come across a apartment with such beautiful morning light in almost all rooms in Amsterdam.