Exploring Sabine Marcelis’s Evolving Rotterdam Loft: A Testament to Life and Design

Nestled in the heart of Rotterdam, designer Sabine Marcelis and architect Paul Cournet have transformed a historic loft into a vibrant family home. Formerly a paper factory and later a bank, this expansive 500-square-metre space has been a canvas for the couple’s creativity over the last decade. Their home reflects a dynamic lifestyle that continually adapts to their needs as a family.

A Creative Sanctuary

Marcelis describes their home as a “metaphor for how we like to live our lives.” The loft is not merely a physical space but a manifestation of flexibility and evolution. With every new development in their family, the apartment morphs, reflecting changes in both function and aesthetics. The couple welcomes visitors into a bright, open space filled with natural light, furnishings designed by themselves, and bespoke commissions from friends.

Intentional Design Choices

One striking feature of this living space is the master bedroom, defined by a strikingly designed bed frame made of swirling timber. It’s encircled by a netted curtain suspended from the ceiling, allowing for privacy within an open-plan layout. “We designed the bed just after our first baby as we needed a backrest,” Marcelis shares, indicating how practicality drives their design choices.

Complementing the bedroom is an eye-catching, orange resin bathtub carved into a nook next to their sleeping area. This open bathroom was initially planned to have a glass wall, but the couple opted for an open arrangement, illustrating their preference for connectivity in their home environment. “We live in that tub!” remarks Marcelis, emphasizing the central role it plays in their daily lives.

Vibrant, Functional Living Spaces

Throughout the loft, colorful elements come together in a playful yet thoughtful manner. An oversized lava lamp, designed by Marcelis for Mathmos and standing nearly three meters tall, radiates soft green hues, contrasting beautifully with the more muted tones of the space. It creates a whimsical touch, inviting guests to engage with the surroundings actively.

The Osaka sofa, originally conceived by French designer Pierre Paulin in 1967, snakes across the floor near the bed. Initially clad in vibrant pink upholstery, Marcelis recently chose a more subdued beige cover to soften the color palette. “I felt that there was too much colour in the house,” she explains, underscoring her capacity for self-reflection and adaptability in design.

Artistic Collaborations

Art and functionality coexist throughout the home. A custom steel bookshelf designed by local talent Phil Proctor stands proudly, displaying books that suggest a vibrant narrative of the couple’s life. Additionally, the living area features a conversation pit-style sofa, offering a cozy spot for family gatherings or quiet reflections.

The living space can be acoustically separated by a massive ten-meter-wide curtain, intricately designed with scans of notes from Berlin designer Ehsan Morshed Sefat. This piece not only blocks light but also functions as an artwork, demonstrating Marcelis’s knack for integrating function with artistic expression.

A Home in Continuous Transformation

One of the most fascinating aspects of Marcelis and Cournet’s collaborative process is their vision for future expansions. With their family growing, they recently acquired the ground floor of their building, planning to break through the floor to add a guest room. “The moment a house feels finished is the moment it stops being interesting,” Cournet asserts, highlighting a philosophy that embodies creative exploration and perpetual growth.

Previously, the couple collaborated on projects such as the scenography for the Cartier jewellery exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, marking their foray into exhibition design. Their joint ventures speak volumes about their synergy, both as partners in life and as architects of their environment.

In this ever-evolving space, Marcelis and Cournet continue to redefine family living—crafting a home that is not just a shelter but a responsive, artistic expression of their lives together. As their story unfolds, so does their loft, promising new surprises at every turn.