A modern townhouse development set within a dense urban fabric, inspired by the distinctive character of Dutch residential architecture. The project combines a bold contemporary form with a sensitive integration into the existing cityscape. Slender proportions, natural wood, and standing seam metal cladding create an elegant and timeless architectural expression with a unique identity. The entire development was designed to balance strong investment appeal with high-quality everyday living.
The stages this project went through — filled dots mark the ones already completed.
01 Plot analysis
02 Concept
What happened at each stage
01 Plot analysis
Analysis of legal conditions, consultations with the investor.
02 Concept
Preparation of proposals for plans, elevations and models.
About this project
The concept for a row of four townhouse units was developed as a response to the demanding conditions of a dense urban environment and the ambitious expectations of the investor, for whom both distinctive architecture and strong investment value were key priorities. The goal was to create a contemporary form that would stand out within the surrounding context while remaining appropriately scaled and visually harmonious with the existing urban fabric.
The architectural composition was inspired by contemporary Dutch housing, characterized by slender proportions, simple forms, and clearly defined rooflines. This approach allowed the relatively large building volumes to appear visually lighter and more refined within the city environment. As a result, the project achieves a modern and recognizable identity without becoming visually overwhelming or dominant.
Materiality also played an important role in shaping the architectural character of the development. Facades finished with natural wood were combined with standing seam metal cladding, creating a cohesive and timeless aesthetic based on the contrast between warmth and minimalist restraint. The limited material palette emphasizes the purity of the forms and gives the investment an elegant and carefully composed appearance.
The project was conceived as a thoughtful proposal for contemporary urban living — architecture intended not only to attract attention through its form, but above all to function comfortably in everyday use and contribute harmoniously to the surrounding cityscape.
Team
Project team
01 / MARTA
Marta
Architect, co-owner
Co-founder of the Murako studio. She is responsible for project management and coordination of the design process. In architecture, she is most interested in functionality, spatial clarity, and solutions that work well in everyday use. She believes that a building's timelessness stems primarily from well-designed function, not passing aesthetic trends.
Outside of work, she is passionate about photography, learning Japanese, and experimenting with baking.
