vibrant postmodernism: david altrath's lens on wall house no. 2 in the netherlands

vibrant postmodernism: david altrath's lens on wall house no. 2 in the netherlands

David Altrath captures postmodern landmark in Groningen

 

In his latest photographic venture, David Altrath captures the iconic landmark known as Wall House No. 2 in Groningen, Netherlands, designed by architect John Quentin Hejduk. The structure, emblematic of 1980s and 1990s postmodern architecture, features a striking blend of shapes, colors, and unique details. Vibrant organic volumes interconnect via a geometric bridge, with a towering 14-meter-high concrete wall rising between them. The result sees an exuberant private residence set against the serene Dutch green landscape.

vibrant postmodernism: david altrath's lens on wall house no. 2 in the netherlands
Wall House No. 2 in Groningen, Netherlands | all images by David Altrath

 

 

the story of John Hejduk’s Wall House No. 2

 

John Hejduk originally designed Wall House No. 2 in 1973 as a weekend retreat for landscape architect A.E. Bye. However, it wasn’t until 2001 that the structure was built as part of the Blue Moon architecture festival in Groningen. In his photography series, David Altrath (find more here) captures the main features of the residence, including its notable 14-meter-high and 18.5-meter-long wall, and the organically shaped rooms suspended around it. On the other side of the wall, there’s the entrance, an interior bridge, and an office. The colorful and multifaceted facade is adorned with diverse window shapes, enhancing the richness and cheerfulness of the design.

 

Since 2004, Wall House has served cultural purposes under the Stichting Wall House Number 2 foundation, hosting artist residencies, public tours, events, and functioning as a knowledge center. In the summer of 2005, it opened to the public with various activities such as artist residencies, public tours, events, and knowledge development. Currently, the iconic landmark is managed by the Groninger Museum to ensure its public use and cultural significance.

vibrant postmodernism: david altrath's lens on wall house no. 2 in the netherlands
suspended organic volumes of various colors interconnect via a geometric bridge

vibrant postmodernism: david altrath's lens on wall house no. 2 in the netherlands
an exuberant private residence set against the serene Dutch green landscape

vibrant postmodernism: david altrath's lens on wall house no. 2 in the netherlands
diverse window shapes enhance the richness and cheerfulness of the design

vibrant postmodernism: david altrath's lens on wall house no. 2 in the netherlands
the towering wall separates the colorful residence in two parts

wall-house-no-2-david-altrath-john-quentin-hejduk-designboom-full-01

the residence from above

vibrant postmodernism: david altrath's lens on wall house no. 2 in the netherlands
the colorful and multifaceted exterior of Wall House No. 2

vibrant postmodernism: david altrath's lens on wall house no. 2 in the netherlands
on the other side of the wall, there’s the entrance, an interior bridge, and an office

wall-house-no-2-david-altrath-john-quentin-hejduk-designboom-full-02

the main feature of the residence is a 14-meter-high and 18.5-meter-long wall

vibrant postmodernism: david altrath's lens on wall house no. 2 in the netherlands
a blaze of colors and shapes hides behind the wall

vibrant postmodernism: david altrath's lens on wall house no. 2 in the netherlands
close-up shot of the organic suspended forms

vibrant-postmodernism-david-altrath-wall-house-no-2-netherlands-john-quentin-hejduk-designboom-full-04

a striking blend of shapes, colors, and unique details

 

 

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project info: 

 

name: Wall House Number 
architect: John Quentin Hejduk
location: Groningen, Netherlands
photography: David Altrath | @davidaltrath

 

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