Homes We Love: Each day we characteristic a exceptional house submitted by our neighborhood of architects, designers, builders, and owners. Have one to share? Put up it right here.
Undertaking Particulars:
Location: Oostduinkerke, Belgium
Pool: Biopool
Photographer: Karen Van der Biest / @karen.vanderbiest
From the Architect: “The prevailing home has a wealthy historical past; it was bombed throughout World Warfare II and solely the half-buried flooring with the bedrooms survived. Within the Nineteen Sixties, the higher flooring was rebuilt in wooden.
“The start line of the design course of was to take care of the distinctive character of this historic constructing, which boasted the unique optimum orientation and intelligent structure, and protect as a lot as potential. Nearly all of the picket inside construction was retained, whereas the previous picket panels on the facade had been changed with insulation and modern black-stained picket planks. The roof was additionally renovated, with the roof edge raised barely in order that the newly put in photo voltaic panels seemed to be sunken into the roof.
“The problem was to renovate the home with its historical past and potential in thoughts, whereas sustaining its authenticity. We aimed for minimal spatial and visible impression on the atmosphere, however with a most constructive impression on the residents’ expertise. This picket construction, along with the remnants of the unique home, now kind the premise for an extra transformation and regeneration of this location.
“Along with the residents, we adhered to the precept of preserving as a lot as potential of the unique home and integrating it into nature in a modest method. Using sustainable, pure supplies comparable to wooden for ending enhances that feeling. Moreover, the home is half embedded within the dunes, making it appear extra compact however nonetheless offering the consolation of two flooring.
“Good architectural interventions improve the residents’ residing consolation in varied methods. A garden-side cover supplies a sheltered terrace for enjoyable and prevents overheating. The bedrooms on the decrease stage supply higher intimacy and stay cool throughout summer season. The first bed room additionally options an outside bathe terrace. Heat wooden interiors and greenery create a comfy and welcoming ambiance. Good storage options comparable to built-in closets and roof beam areas add to the comfy really feel of the home. The window seats are a well-liked spot for kids to learn and play whereas basking in pure daylight.
“Sustainability is on the coronary heart of this house’s design. We have put in a floor water warmth pump and photo voltaic boiler system to provide heat water and generate power from the solar. The excess power is saved in a battery pack for later use. To maintain the house cool in the summertime, we have used geothermal cooling from the bottom. And even the swimming pool is heated sustainably, with wall and flooring heating within the basin.”
