Villaproject Herk-de-Stad

The client had access to a fairly wide building plot, which was also oriented to the southwest. On the street side, the house is characterized by a playful volume structure, reinforced by contrasts in color and use of materials.

This project focuses on our core principles such as experience, openness, a maximum sense of space and a play of light and shadow. We have strived to blur the boundaries between inside and outside by working with large glass areas and providing different outdoor spaces that have been architecturally integrated into the main volume.

On the street side, the house is quite introverted and closed, because of the respect for the demand for privacy and the limitation of privacy. At the back the house opens completely, to the beautiful garden with swimming pool.

The outer shell is largely finished in white exterior plaster, supplemented with surfaces in a dark facing brick and black aluminum slats. The white gives the house a fresh look and provides a permanent holiday feeling, especially at the back.

The living spaces flow smoothly into each other horizontally. They each have their own individuality, but by choosing an open circulation with playful openings and perspectives they are visually connected. In this way, a fascinating experience is created everywhere.

The heart of the house is formed by the living kitchen that is centrally located. A loft above the dining area is visually connected to the mezzanine and the terrace on the first floor. The spatial junction brings a sea of ​​light to all connecting living spaces.

the master bedroom is located on the ground floor and was conceived as a hotel suite. It has a dressing room, an open bathroom and, above all, direct access to the garden.

The first floor is reserved for the children, who have their own living space and terrace, which connects to the garden via an outside staircase.

A semi-transparent covered dining area was provided with manipulable slats. Floating beams, demarcate empty space and form outdoor rooms that help determine the internal experience.

The outdoors are central. Large recessed glass windows create a maximum view of the backyard with swimming pool.

The sleek interior mainly contains fresh and light materials. The aim was to achieve a harmonious palette, with mainly main tones in white and gray, complemented by warm accents in oak veneer. The client’s individuality is reflected in the provision of colorful accessories and art.

Despite the size of the house, sustainability is central. Great attention was paid to maximally limiting energy demand. The house therefore has an BEN label.

Photography: Christophe van Couteren