Exterior view

Campen’s first known work is the fa�ade of a double house for the brothers Balthasar and Johan Coymans in Amsterdam (Keizersgracht 177). His fa�ade differs from the traditional narrow canal house with a stepped gable by having eight bays, of which the middle four project slightly. Constructed of brick, the fa�ade consists of a low ground-floor, above which are two storeys articulated by tiers of pilasters - Ionic below, Corinthian above - capped with a shallow attic. By Dutch standards the roof is rather low. This rigorous articulation of the fa�ade by pilasters was entirely new in the Netherlands. In addition, the pilasters do not stand on a plinth, as was usual.

With this design, which was immediately admired and incorporated in Salomon de Bray’s Architectura moderna (1631), van Campen introduced a new development in Dutch architecture that became known as Dutch Classicism.

The photo shows the house of the Coymans-families on Keizersgracht 177, opposite Westerkerk. (Top floor was added in the 19th century.)