The reconversion of a doctor’s home into a bed and breakfast.

The house, in typical sixties style, was restored into its original state by breaking down the garages which were of a later addition. In respect of the original design, the aim was to preserve the personality of the house while changing its function. Because of the clarity of the original plan it was easy to fit in the new functions; with a few interventions the house became a B&B with 5 guest rooms.

On the outside, 3 new elements were added: a spiral staircase, a terrace, and a round balustrade in white lacquered steel. Inside,the upper floor, which originally consisted of a hallway with 4 small bedrooms, is opened up by replacing the wall in the corridor by one large wooden beam. The former partition walls were replaced by low-hanging wooden slabs, thus structuring the new apartment according to the original plan, while at the same time creating one open space.

The site is located next to a nature reserve. As nature is a passion of the client, her question was to design an extra guest room that was fully oriented towards the surrounding greenery. To address this question, we designed a garden pavilion.

The wooden structure of the pavilion wants to be a modest addition to the typical local red brick house.

New and old have similarities – in colour and form - but are very different.

The way the pavilion is positioned next to the house creates a tension, a dialogue between old and new.

The small alley between the two buildings is emphasized by a canopy, which functions as a shelter for newly arriving guests, and leads them to the inner garden.

House and pavilion are one but while the former relates to the village of Bazel, the latter with its high windows connects with the natural reserve only one street away.