The shape of the houses resulted primarily from the fact that the complex faces north towards the water and south towards the street. The staggered arrangement, the Z-shaped floor plan, the chosen height and width dimensions, and the roof shape create semi-enclosed outdoor spaces that offer an unobstructed view of the canal at the rear, are sheltered from westerly winds, and yet still capture plenty of sunlight. All rooms are located on the ground floor. Only the study was built as a mezzanine level in the raised section of the living room.
