The Ceramic House in Amsterdam by Studio RAP ArchEyes facade
The Ceramic House | © Riccardo De Vecchi

In the bustling P.C. Hooftstraat of Amsterdam, the Ceramic House stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of Studio RAP. Melding traditional craftsmanship with advanced technology, this project heralds a new era in architectural design.

Ceramic House Technical Information

The studio’s innovative approach to contemporary architectural design uses state-of-the-art digital fabrication processes conceived in its own manufacturing premises to print each bespoke 3D-printed ceramic tile. This enriches the famous shopping street’s existing historic architecture with a new design language.

– Studio RAP

Ceramic House Photographs

The Ceramic House in Amsterdam by Studio RAP ArchEyes exterior
© Riccardo De Vecchi
The Ceramic House in Amsterdam by Studio RAP ArchEyes storefront
© Riccardo De Vecchi
The Ceramic House in Amsterdam by Studio RAP ArchEyes door
© Riccardo De Vecchi
The Ceramic House in Amsterdam by Studio RAP ArchEyes windows
© Riccardo De Vecchi
The Ceramic House in Amsterdam by Studio RAP ArchEyes colors
© Riccardo De Vecchi
The Ceramic House in Amsterdam by Studio RAP ArchEyes colors
© Riccardo De Vecchi
The Ceramic House in Amsterdam by Studio RAP ArchEyes window
© Riccardo De Vecchi
The Ceramic House in Amsterdam by Studio RAP ArchEyes detail
© Riccardo De Vecchi

Studio RAP’s Ceramic House

At the heart of Studio RAP’s approach is a bespoke, custom-built 3D printing technology. Each tile on the Ceramic House’s facade is a piece of art, meticulously crafted through algorithmic design and finished with artisanal glazing. This combination of digital precision and human touch results in a facade that is both innovative and deeply rooted in Amsterdam’s rich history of glazed ceramics.

The Ceramic House respects the historical context of its location. By replicating the original facade’s silhouette and maintaining the tripartite structure characteristic of the street, Studio RAP has created a seamless blend of old and new. The facade, with its intricate layers reminiscent of textile patterns, changes dynamically as one moves, revealing new details and textures. This design not only complements but also enhances the street’s historic charm.

Studio RAP’s pioneering use of large-scale 3D printing technology draws inspiration from the Rijksmuseum’s renowned ceramic collection. The architects, in collaboration with advanced robotic systems, have pushed the boundaries of architectural design, achieving a level of detail and differentiation previously unimaginable.

The facade at street level features large, pearl-white glazed ceramic tiles with a hint of yellow, crafted by Royal Tichelaar. These tiles transition smoothly to the ground, creating an elegant and coherent aesthetic. Higher up, the building showcases 3D-printed bricks in varying shades of red, creating a rich tapestry that fades elegantly into the skyline.

Ceramic House Construction details

The Ceramic House in Amsterdam by Studio RAP ArchEyes fabrication
© Studio RAP
The Ceramic House in Amsterdam by Studio RAP ArchEyes fabrication
© Studio RAP
The Ceramic House in Amsterdam by Studio RAP ArchEyes fabrication
© Studio RAP
The Ceramic House in Amsterdam by Studio RAP ArchEyes fabrication
© Studio RAP
The Ceramic House in Amsterdam by Studio RAP ArchEyes fabrication
© Studio RAP
The Ceramic House in Amsterdam by Studio RAP ArchEyes fabrication
© Studio RAP
The Ceramic House in Amsterdam by Studio RAP ArchEyes fabrication
© Studio RAP

Ceramic House Image Gallery

About Studio RAP

Studio RAP, a Rotterdam-based architectural firm, is at the forefront of merging architecture with entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and craftsmanship. Their work on the Ceramic House is a striking example of their philosophy, introducing a novel architectural style that challenges conventional norms and adds excitement and diversity to our built environment.

Notes & Additional Credits
  1. Client: Warenar Real Estate
  2. Main Contractor: Wessels Zeist (VolkerWessels)
  3. Contractor facade cladding / 3d-ceramic-printing: Studio RAP