Rebuilding old farmhouse

For the thorough renovation of an old farmhouse, JUMA architects set out to find the perfect balance between old and new.

Although the house initially had a cozy appearance, the old situation had a total lack of spaciousness, light and visibility.

An immense window opening was therefore designed in the rear façade, giving a view of the beautiful garden while drawing in lots of natural light. The new joinery is clearly distinguished from the existing window openings by the use of a black, sleek frame so that there can be no confusion as to which items are authentic and which are not.

Furthermore, the existing mezzanine and access to the small wine cellar were demolished to create a spacious open kitchen where the kitchen island is a real eye-catcher because it is executed in natural stone. In turn, the traditional stove fits perfectly with the corner style and contributed to the choice of the worktop in easy-care stainless steel. Above the stove hangs a shelf that is also finished in natural stone and features an indirect light line. The cabinet fronts in oak veneer give the kitchen a warm look.

Where the kitchen used to be, room was made for a small desk, which also serves as a second entrance through which the family comes in and out daily. The old kitchen also houses a cool storage room.

Next to the dining area is the completely renovated staircase leading upstairs. A special storage closet was designed for it, which staggered along with the staircase every 3 steps. Again, the desire to keep the space as open as possible was the basis for the idea behind this staircase/cabinet. There was also a practical reason. The openness of the staircase allows larger pieces of furniture to be moved upstairs with ease.

Next to the sitting area, a large wall cabinet was conceived, in which books and personal items can be displayed. These trinkets make the house a real home.

The valuable elements, such as the imposing fireplace, were preserved. The old heavy beams were sandblasted to make them stand out even more while the rest of the wooden ceiling was painted white as a counterpoint to the new dark poly concrete floor (with underfloor heating). The great charm that emanates from the fireplace is now much more prominent because the rest of the home, through purposeful alignments and subtle color and material choices, looks much calmer.

Given the many wooden beams on the ceiling, the choice of light fixtures was not obvious. Above the kitchen island, a fine pendant was chosen to illuminate the countertop well. As for the lamp for above the dining table, the client had a specific requirement. There was a need for a lot of flexibility according to the number of guests and table setup. JUMA architects chose a combination of 3 lamps that, if desired, can form one beautiful whole together or can be hung apart when there is a party. In terms of general lighting, directional fine white spotlights were chosen.

Pictures © Annick Vernimmen