Our client bought an urban terraced house in Aalst that was to be renovated. During the initial discussions, it quickly became clear that there were few demands for the renovation. This gave us the necessary freedom to surprise them. Our biggest challenge was to create enough light and to incorporate a 20° bend in the rear wall into the plan.
This kink soon proved to be the key to the design. It inspired us to create a triangular patio with a void behind it. By doing so, we succeeded in adding not only light, but also an enormous spaciousness to the house.
On the street side, we retained the charming character of the existing façade. The new bronze-coloured external joinery, including a large sliding window in the loft, catches the eye. At the rear, we opted for playfully placed, large window openings in the cement slate-clad wall. The rear façade thus flows seamlessly into the roof.
Inside, the living spaces are kept on the ground floor. The open staircase brings a new dynamic and spaciousness, as the residents experience the full width of the house in the kitchen as well. Thanks to the addition of the atrium, the centrally located kitchen receives plenty of natural light. At the back, the newly built volume houses the sitting area with a view of the city garden and the surrounding gardens. Because this extension follows the straight line of the staircase volume, an additional spatial tension is created, which is reinforced by the differences in ceiling heights.
Via the boarding staircase, we take the residents on a walk through their home. On both floors - the first (parental) floor and the attic for the children - contact with the kitchen is maintained. The attic floor was opened up all the way to the ridge and the large sliding window here provides enormous added value in terms of light and views. On the other side of the sliding window, a balcony was provided, adjoining the multifunctional space.
The interior is characterised by sobriety. The interplay of colour and texture is extremely important in all our designs. The ground floor was given a sand-coloured mortex floor, both inside and on the terrace. This material has a deep structure and radiates a natural warmth. On the upper floors, the sanded old wooden plank floors add charm and authenticity. The bronze-coloured, anodised aluminium windows provide a sense of light throughout the house. The anodisation adds depth and colour to the profiles depending on the incidence of light.
During this renovation, we looked for architectural added value in the form of a well thought-out design. The result is a warm home with an atypical layout, with increased liveability for the owners and with an eye to family expansion and the pursuit of hobbies.
