Forming the core of a new living/exterior room, the thoughtful introduction of covered outdoor space for an existing house in Roosdaal, Belgium offers a sense of openness to the garden and an added value to the current volumes on the plot.
Taking on a triangular form in response to the building volumes that surround, the new terrace refers to typical outhouse buildings and bicycle sheds common in the surrounding rural area. Alongside this, materials commonly used in the region such as concrete stone, rafters, and glass roof tile reinforce a sense of the vernacular.
An existing extension on the property, renovated by the previous owners, was given a new glass façade that breaks from the orthogonal plan and provides dynamic views of the forest beyond. The ceiling-high glass façade is given a more human scale in the space thanks to a concrete window sill that also serves as a bench.
Finishing details throughout the project have been reduced to a constructive simplicity and honesty considering what is commonly an increasingly complex construction process.
By appreciating existing building volumes and the site, the project responds sensitively to what is required rather than placing a formal stamp on the project.
