UNDERSTANDING THE DOMESTICITY OF THE RIETVELD-SCHRODER HOUSE: Part 2

Northwest Windows (disappearing corner)

Many if not most of Schroder’s ideals come from past experiences. She had vivid memories of walks as a child with her father in all kinds of weather, citing this as an inspiration for a desire to be distanced from the ground and be closer to the sun, wind, rain and light. She wanted to be able to experience the changes of the nature outside from the confines of her own home. These formed the basis for the windows on the second floor, especially the window with the disappearing corner, and her desire for having absolutely no intention of living on the ground floor. Schroder also cited her aspiration for a large open second floor to a memory of taking care of a friend’s baby in a large spacious attic; the memory and idea inspired and appealed immensely to her. When she approached Rietveld on this topic, he responded enthusiastically and followed by designing the ingenious sliding partition walls on the second floor.

The transformable space further appealed to Schroder because she did not want a home that imposed a specific lifestyle on her. Instead, she wanted a space that could change with her – a space that could develop and satisfy her cravings for independence.

Partition Walls Removed

Partition Walls In Place

                 

For her ideas, Schroder was officially credited as co-designer of the house, a fact that has become forgotten.