035 in Waasmunster.
This typically Flemish afforested plot lacks a determining context. Except for the vertical rhythm of the conifers, the connection to the surrounding area is scarce. As a result the central theme for this project was found in the brief itself. The design for this house demanded a tailored answer to the needs of this client: no specific rooms were requested but instead an open plan that allows relocating within the house. Therefore, a plan emerged with almost arbitrarily placed massive volumes – containing couchettes for night use, bathroom and storage – and generous light and open transitional spaces that are mainly used during daytime.
A central patio forms the heart of the house and brings expressive light to the surrounding spaces. The roof volumes mark certain areas of the house by the light they bring in but also by the different heights they create. The limited budget compelled to a use of building materials showing their pure essence. Each of them is at its own crude type, a concrete slab, masonry in concrete blocks, a wooden roof, simple greenhouse glazing. It is in their composition that they become interesting: the open plan is structured by oversized wooden beams, which do not only transfer loads but determine the spatial character of the house itself. The visible joints of the concrete masonry add an extra ornament to the rooms. The light wooden roof forms a warm complement to the massive concrete of the outside walls. A subtle brutality
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