Architects: Dries Kreijkamp
Area: 55 m²
Year: 1984
Photographs: Gili Merin, Ons Verleden Hedentendage, Courtesy of Bolwoning.com, Velopilger, grotevriendelijkereus, Jaap Joris Vens, Super Formosa Photography
City: ‘s-Hertogenbosch
Country: The Netherlands
Bolwoningen, a unique housing project designed by Dries Kreijkamp in 1984, is located in the Maaspoort neighborhood of ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch), the Netherlands. Comprising 50 spherical houses clustered near a canal, the project was funded by a government grant for experimental housing. Kreijkamp’s radical design introduced a new housing typology, inspired by his belief that round forms offer a more natural way of living. These oversized “golf ball” structures comprise 55 square meters of space, with each house featuring a cylindrical base and a fiberglass sphere. Inside, three levels are connected by a spiral staircase, with large round windows on the top floor. Prefabricated in Rotterdam, the homes were assembled in a single day and designed for low energy consumption and minimal maintenance. Despite Kreijkamp’s vision for further development, Bolwoningen remains a rare and innovative architectural experiment that inspires modern architects, offering a glimpse into a period defined by bold radicalism and forward-thinking design.
Kreijkamp began exploring the possibilities of spherical living spaces in 1980. His design concept was simple, comprising two interlocking components: a cylindrical base housing storage and utility areas, and a self-supporting, three-story fiberglass sphere made from glass fiber-reinforced concrete. The homes were prefabricated in Rotterdam and could be assembled in a single day. Each house features three levels connected by a spiral staircase: the ground floor holds the bedroom, the middle level the bathroom, and the top floor serves as the main living area with a kitchen and large, round pivot windows that offer panoramic views. These round windows allow natural light to fill the open, airy top floor, contrasting with the more compact lower levels.
Each Bolwoning, meaning “sphere house” or “ball house,” offers 55 square meters of living space, with a diameter of 5.5 meters. Designed for individuals or couples without children, the houses are positioned closely together and connected by diagonal pedestrian paths, yet they function as separate, self-contained units. There are no communal outdoor areas, reflecting the homes’ isolated design and promoting a sense of solitude and introversion.
Kreijkamp’s fascination with spherical forms stemmed from his earlier work as a glassworker at The Royal Dutch Glassworks in 1964, where he crafted crystal spheres. He believed round shapes were the most natural form of living, famously stating, “We live on a sphere, we are born out of a sphere… why not live in a sphere?” [1]
Kreijkamp was both a formal visionary and a practical rationalist, emphasizing the sustainable benefits of spherical structures. The Bolwoningen were designed for low energy consumption and minimal maintenance, aligning with his philosophy. Prefabricated in Rotterdam, the houses could be assembled in just one day, highlighting both the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the design. Weighing only 1250 kg, the homes were lighter than Buckminster Fuller’s Dymaxion house, showcasing Kreijkamp’s commitment to lightweight, durable, and sustainable construction methods.
Kreijkamp’s vision for the Bolwoningen was never fully realized. He believed these spherical homes had vast potential and could be adapted for various applications, including connecting multiple spheres, designing custom accessories, and even creating mobile or floating versions. However, he passed away before seeing these ideas come to fruition. Despite this, the ambition, creativity, and innovation behind the project continue to inspire architects and designers to push the boundaries of conventional housing designs.
[1] http://www.architectenweb.nl/aweb/archipedia/archipedia.asp?id=5525 (translated from Dutch to English)
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Bollenveld, 5235 NM ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
