Dike house in Watervliet, Belgium

Slightly off the beaten path and nestled in a lush landscape is an old, somewhat dilapidated dyke house in Watervliet, Belgium. The property was completely renovated based on plans by architect Bart Lens and expanded with a new building built directly into the top of the dike.

From the street side, the modern, attached part of the building is not immediately recognizable as a dwelling; it fits harmoniously into the overall architecture of the landscape. The roof, which is green due to its unusual construction, is covered with fruit trees, the slope and sunny side with colorful wildflowers. In addition to a clear view of the landscape through the large window facade, the underground construction also offers the advantage of easy heat storage.

While the facade, including the roof, was kept white, the new building contrasts with concrete and steel. The interior is a mix of wood, concrete, white and shades of gray. This combination creates a harmonious connection from the old to the new part of the property.

The original part of the property has two simple and bright bedrooms. In the extension are the living room, kitchen and bathroom. In keeping with the idyllic view, the bathroom is very tastefully designed. Walls, floors and ceilings, all in white, create a pleasant atmosphere combined with natural materials. A large double Vero sink and a toilet from Duravit’s Starck 3 series complete the bathroom.

The bright space is optically enhanced by the color choice, and the wooden accessories and wicker baskets create highlights and underline the warm atmosphere. In the guest bathroom, the Duravit Vero in the compact version and the Starck 3 WC continue the purism in white.