6 things that make Dutch architecture unique

Dutch architecture is easily recognisable, with its narrow canal houses and practical use of space. From Gothic cathedrals to sleek modern skyscrapers, architecture in the Netherlands is diverse, innovative and full of history. Let’s dive into what makes Dutch architecture so special.

Brief history of Dutch architecture

Dutch architecture has been shaped by the country’s geography and trading history. This, together with a lot of clever thinking to keep the country above water, and innovation to make the most of limited space, has resulted in an amalgamation of different architecture styles, from cosy canal houses to grand public buildings. 

The key styles and movements of Dutch architecture that have played the largest role in shaping the look of our cities include the Golden Age in the 17th century, Dutch Baroque and the development of modernism. Contemporary architecture from the Netherlands has also been making waves, achieving global prestige in recent years.

What makes architecture in the Netherlands unique?

While there may be a shortage of Dutch housing, no one can deny that there are many interesting buildings in the Netherlands. From traditional Dutch houses in Amsterdam to contemporary structures in Rotterdam, here are some things that make Dutch architecture easily identifiable:

Water management

The Netherlands is known for being built by reclaiming land from the sea. Without this ingenuity, not only would one-third of the country still be below sea level, but it also wouldn’t have the hundreds of canals, dykes and bridges present in the country. 

The iconic Dutch windmills that we see today in Kinderdijk and Zaanse Schans were also created to keep land dry by pumping water off of the fertile soil.  

Use of limited space 

The limited amount of space available in the Netherlands means that architects need to be inventive when planning a building. You can see where this has been done quite clearly with traditional Dutch houses, like the Dancing Houses in Amsterdam, which were designed during the Golden Age. A typical Dutch house is tall, with multiple floors, and narrow, so it uses as little land as possible. These narrow canal houses, built in the Golden Age, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2010.

Building structures underground or on the water is another way architects in the Netherlands save space on land. To prevent buildings built on water or marshy land from sinking, thousands of poles are extended deep into the ground for support. For example, the Royal Palace in Amsterdam is built on 13.657 wooden poles.

Image credit: Jiri Vatka / Shutterstock.com 

Bike friendliness

With cycling in the Netherlands being not just a mode of transport but a way of life, it shouldn’t be surprising that a lot of Dutch architecture and infrastructure is designed with bikes in mind. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the Netherlands has more than 153.000 kilometres of paths and roads used by cyclists and they are all maintained with smooth surfaces, clear markings and lighting to make it safe for cycling.

There aren’t only ordinary bike paths in the Netherlands, though. Special bike paths, such as the Hovenring in Eindhoven, were created to make cycling easier and are visually appealing at the same time. Bike parking is another area where the Netherlands shines - in 2023, the biggest bicycle parking facility in Amsterdam was opened, housing 11.000 bikes. This parking structure was also the first in the world to be built underwater.

Use of brick

Since the Middle Ages, bricks have been produced and used in the Netherlands. The abundance of clay in rivers meant that the country had a convenient resource to make the building material, which is why the Netherlands also exported bricks to neighbouring countries.

Medieval architecture in the Netherlands was influenced by French Gothic styles, but the Dutch started using bricks instead of stone - as they were readily available and increasing in popularity - and developed their own unique way of making buildings look Gothic. Despite many developments in architecture, the relationship between the Dutch and bricks remains strong as brick architecture has continued to evolve. 

Brick is still used in both traditional and experimental architectural projects. Whether bringing coherence across several buildings in a neighbourhood or reimagining the use of bricks with facade motifs, there’s little chance that you’ll walk through a Dutch city without seeing at least one building that has bricks incorporated. 

Image credit: ColorMaker / Shutterstock.com

Dutch gable roof

Many Dutch houses have steep roofs to add extra space on the top floor of the dwelling. To disguise this, the decorative gable roof was introduced and was often designed in Baroque style. Soon, Dutch gable roofs were adorned with family crests, scrolls and coats of arms, and even though many houses have been upgraded over the years, the gables have been preserved. 

Another thing that you might be wondering while staring up at Dutch roofs is: why are there hooks on the buildings? These are hoisting hooks that are used to move furniture into homes that won’t fit through the front door and up steep stairs of old Dutch houses. Using a pulley system, the hoisting hook is used to lift large items of furniture, such as couches, through the window. 

Large window openings

As many Dutch houses are tall and narrow, sharing walls with neighbours on both sides, the rooms would be dark and gloomy without the large window openings letting natural light in. This is one of the reasons that buildings in the Netherlands have such large windows. 

You might also have noticed that the Dutch often leave these wide windows uncovered, letting anyone walking by see into their homes. This is believed to foster a connection between the inside and outside, and it also fits with the Dutch culture of being open and transparent - they have nothing to hide.

Famous Dutch architecture

Many talented Dutch architects helped shape the interesting Dutch architecture we see today, such as Rem Koolhaas, Gerrit Rietveld, Piet Blom and Jacob van Rijs, to name a few. Want to take a tour of the most famous architecture the Netherlands has to offer? Here are some of our top picks of Dutch buildings.

Dom Tower

The Dom Tower is just one of many buildings to see in Utrecht, but it is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, so it definitely can’t be missed. It was built between 1321 and 1382 and shows a common theme in Gothic architecture of trying to reach the heavens. The tower recently underwent a five-year restoration, and after it was completed in 2024 a big celebration was held in Utrecht to celebrate the grand reveal. 

Image credit: www.hollandfoto.net / Shutterstock.com 

The Royal Palace

As the largest building from the 17th century in the country, the Royal Palace in Amsterdam is one of the Netherlands’ most important monuments. Built with symmetry and detail, the building shows the influence of the Renaissance on the Dutch. 

Image credit: 3DF mediaStudio / Shutterstock.com 

Rijksmuseum 

As the museum of the Netherlands, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam holds 800 years of Dutch history within its walls. There is also history within the building itself, as it is a masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture with a focus on symmetry and grandeur. 

Image credit: K I Photography / Shutterstock.com 

Rietveld Schroder House

Representing the Modern Movement in architecture with its clean lines, open spaces and primary colours, the Rietveld Schroder House in Utrecht was designed to be both functional and artistic. The building designed by Gerrit Rietveld for Truus Schroder-Schrader was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000. 

Image credit: Takashi Images / Shutterstock.com 

There are many other interesting buildings to see in Rotterdam, The Hague and even Haarlem, so be sure to check them out too. 

Dutch colonial architecture

When travelling in countries such as Indonesia, the United States, India, Sri Lanka and South Africa, the buildings might remind you of those seen in the Netherlands. This is because they form a part of Dutch colonial architecture.

While the buildings were designed by Dutch architects, many had to be adapted to the climate, building materials and cultural contexts of the countries where they were built. Some key features of Dutch architecture seen in the ex-colonies include pitched roofs, verandas, Dutch doors, shutters and raised foundations. 

Explore the Netherlands’ architecture

Now that you can identify what makes Dutch buildings so special, keep your eyes peeled as you stroll through the Netherlands - you’ll be amazed at how much you notice.