Timeless simplicity on Denmark’s coastline: The Danish Riviera House by Pieter Kleinmann
Sitting just five meters above sea level, the Danish Riviera House is a coastal retreat that balances the design of traditional beach houses with the timeless architectural simplicity of Dutch architect Pieter Kleinmann. After fifteen years of global experience in renowned firms in Antwerp, London, New York and Singapore such as Michael Gabellini and Vincent van Duysen Architects, Pieter Kleinmann returned to Amsterdam in 2019 to establish Kleinmann Architecture. Much like Pieter, the studio considers itself very Dutch in its rigorous and clear approach to complicated design matters. The attention to detail, material and texture raise the work beyond borders to an international level of understated sophistication.
Located on a quiet stretch of Denmark’s northern coastline, the Danish Riviera House blends with its surroundings by using natural, durable materials that withstand the harsh marine environment. Western Red Cedar, used for the pitched roof and cladding, will weather into a cool grey patina over time, reflecting the house’s design philosophy of evolving in harmony with the surrounding landscape.
Inside, the open-plan living room, kitchen, and dining area embrace a sense of communal living, opening up onto a poured concrete terrace, followed by a path that leads directly to the sea. This open connection to the outdoor spaces invites natural light and fresh air while encouraging a feeling of unity.
The house's materials adapt to all seasons: in summer, sunlight floods the interiors while the deep roof provides cool shade on warm days. In winter, the underfloor heating and natural materials create a warm atmosphere, offering a protective escape from the wild coastal winds. Comfortably accommodating ten people across three compact bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a guest house, the Danish Riviera House is a welcoming sanctuary, offering stunning views over Denmark’s beautiful coastal landscape.
Photography by Piet-Albert Goethals
