Bolwoningen are Dutch spherical houses in the Maaspoort neighborhood of 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands. It consists of 50 spherical houses grouped together near to a canal.[1]

External view of three houses (2016).
Group of houses along the canal (2017).
Interior of a bolwoning

History

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The houses were built in 1984 (40 years ago) (1984) by artist and sculptor Dries Kreijkamp [nl] with a grant from the government to build experimental housing.[1]

Design

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Each Bolwoning (literally 'sphere house', or 'ball house') is constructed with Glass fiber reinforced concrete. The houses were prefabricated in Rotterdam and could be erected in as little as one day and were designed to have low energy consumption and easy maintenance.[1][2]

Each house has three main levels, with storage in bottom. The first, bottom level is the bedroom, the second, middle is the bathroom, and the third, top floor is the living space.[2] The top space features unique round windows that offer panoramic views.[2] Each houses's total floor space is 55 square meters (600 sq. ft.), with a diameter of 5.5 meters (18').[2]

The houses have been continuously occupied since the community was first constructed.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Nelson, Tim (2023-05-15). "Tour the Most Unusual Neighborhood in the World". Architectural Digest. Condé Nast. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  2. ^ a b c d Merin, Gili (2015-02-07). "AD Classics: Bolwoning / Dries Kreijkamp". ArchDaily. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
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51°43′47″N 5°18′24″E / 51.7297°N 5.3066°E / 51.7297; 5.3066