Smit House

It is one of the least publicised projects by Gerrit Rietveld, but it demonstrates what he meant by ‘the abundance of frugality’ superbly. In this private house for a wealthy shipbuilder, the everyday character of the interior is striking. All the functions are neatly arranged, with no hint of extravagance or a richly furnished interior. The house in Kinderdijk makes an overwhelming impression all the same. Rietveld determined the position alongside the river and the vista from the house very precisely. It is a small house, but the phenomenal view of the shipyards and passing ships gives it a wonderful feeling of freedom.