TRANSITIONS: EXTERIOR TO INTERIOR

One of Rietveld's main goals with the house was to delimit space while creating smooth transitional areas between the exterior and interior. His use of space-dividing elements as well as transitional elements (such as eaves, balconies, pillars, railings, door frames, and window frames) help communicate the architectural language of the house.

 FIRST TRANSITION AREA 

Overy et. al. p 121

The first area exists on the southwest facade facing Prins Hendriklaan. It begins at the gate which opens up from the sidewalk onto a path leading to a patio space. The small door on the patio leads into the studio on the ground floor. Directly above, the girls' room on the second floor opens up onto a balcony.








 SECOND TRANSITION AREA 

Overy et. al. p 121

The second transition area is also connected to the street by a path and gate. This path leads to a bench which sits beside the main entrance. Another bench exists inside in the front hall, directly in line with the exterior bench. A balcony extrudes into the exterior from the boy's room on the second floor, overhanging over the main entrance. 

 THIRD TRANSITION AREA 

Overy et. al. p 122

The eastern corner of the house connects to the exterior through windows on the first floor looking into the kitchen. On the second floor looking into the living/dining, the windows open at 90 degree angles (to line up with the mullions) and the eastern corner disappears completely. 
See: Disappearing corner window










 FOURTH TRANSITION AREA 

Overy et. al. p 122

The fourth transition area consists of a patio on the first floor leading into the servant bedroom. It is covered by a balcony extruding from the living/dining room and Truus Schroder's bedroom above on the second floor. 

Overy et. al. p 122

 FIFTH TRANSITION AREA 

The fifth area is a vertical shaft of light that begins at the bottom of the stairs on the ground floor. It continues up to the second floor and through the roof to a skylight which can be opened for roof access.