Berlin-based Studio Wijsman has transformed a two-story apartment located within a historic canal-side sugar refinery building dating back to 1752 in Amsterdam. The design studio utilized natural materials including stone and stainless steel to create a contemporary living space that honors the building's rich industrial heritage while providing modern comfort and functionality.
The renovation project focused on modernizing the interior while respecting the existing architectural elements that tell the story of the building's past. "The goal was to make a home that felt deeply rooted in the building's history but with a tactile quality that encourages slowing down and being present," explained Keltie Wijsman, the studio's founder. The design philosophy centered on creating a sense of calm by stripping away excess elements and focusing on high-quality materials to craft an environment that felt both elemental and intimate.
The apartment underwent significant spatial reorganization to improve functionality and privacy. The original open-plan bedroom and adjacent office were reconfigured to create a private bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and a new walk-in wardrobe. The kitchen and mezzanine dining area received complete renovations, while the guest bathroom, sauna, and WC were combined into a single cohesive space that maximizes both utility and aesthetic appeal.
Stone became a defining feature throughout the interior, reflecting both Wijsman's and the client's shared passion for the material. The kitchen showcases Red Mirage granite countertops that beautifully accentuate the tones of the historic exposed ceiling beams, which were carefully preserved during the renovation. In the living room, a coffee table crafted from Rosso Verona marble serves as a stunning centerpiece, while the bathroom features a bathtub carved from solid Emperador Dark marble.
Wijsman's deep appreciation for stone was further developed during her visit to a quarry in Pardais, Portugal, while working on a previous project. "Witnessing the geological strata and the extraction process firsthand deepened my appreciation for stone not only as a structural or decorative element, but as a narrative medium; one that holds time, place, and process within its very form," she explained. "I'm inspired by its inherent permanence and its capacity to carry history."
The guest bathroom features a custom sink crafted from Turkish Blue Jeans marble, while the space is clad from floor to ceiling in the distinctive blue, grey, and white-veined stone. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, remnants from the stone slabs were repurposed to create two credenzas positioned on either side of the stainless-steel dining table, exemplifying the zero-waste approach applied throughout the project.
Moroccan zellige tiles with a deep-brown glaze and iridescent quality were used to clad both the bathroom walls and the fireplace in the living space, adding warmth and visual interest that animates the rooms throughout the day. These handcrafted tiles complement the overall material palette while introducing subtle variations in texture and light reflection.
Steel serves as another recurring material throughout the apartment, inspired by a kitchen backsplash installed by the previous tenant. Wijsman designed a dining table constructed entirely from steel by local welders, featuring hot-rolled legs supporting a slender tabletop. Stainless steel pendant lights suspended above the kitchen island create a dramatic focal point within the space while casting warm light onto the granite surface below.
The apartment's walls feature hand-applied Venetian plaster that reflects light differently throughout the day, creating dynamic visual interest and depth. These textured, mineral-toned surfaces are complemented by custom-made walnut and oak cabinetry accented with brass hardware. The wooden joinery adds warmth and tactility to various spaces, including the bespoke walk-in wardrobe, which also features a silk carpet and cork-panelled ceiling with a skylight.
The interior design is completed with a carefully curated selection of contemporary and vintage furniture pieces. The living room combines a COR Trio sofa with 1970s Brazilian armchairs and a Yos and Leonard Theosabrata lounge chair, creating an eclectic yet cohesive aesthetic that bridges different design eras.
Studio Wijsman operates globally, working on projects across both residential and commercial sectors with a focus on creating timeless interiors that blend custom furniture with vintage finds and modern materials. This Amsterdam project represents the studio's commitment to honoring architectural heritage while creating spaces that meet contemporary living needs. The renovation demonstrates how thoughtful material selection and spatial planning can transform historic buildings into vibrant, functional homes that celebrate both past and present.
