Located at the end of a small street, the plot is completely surrounded by tall green massifs, disconnected from any surrounding context. This creates a green enclave amidst a shapeless patchwork of plots.
The site’s old, characterful trees and natural slope provided the initial inspiration for the concept—sketched on-site from a simple wooden camping bench. The aim was to introduce a new landscape into the existing one, enhancing the experience of the immediate surroundings. A floating landscape that interacts with nature in various ways, forming a surface on which to live and experience life, both indoors and outdoors.
This platform comprises a large terrace with green spaces, a swimming pool, and part of the house. The arrangement of these elements is carefully integrated into the rectangular plan. A thoughtfully composed sequence of vistas, open and enclosed spaces, creates a sense of spontaneity and tranquility.
The house is approached via the extended street axis. The shape of the end façade was inspired by the elegant sculpture Signal in Brussels by Jacques Moeschal, often regarded as one of the most beautiful (monu)ments heralding a new place along our roads.
The architecture is conceived as a composition of thin floor slabs with fully glazed façades on one side and solid façades on the other. All solid sections of the façades and floor slabs are crafted from Egyptian white stone, reflecting the owner's fascination with Egyptian art.
To elevate the architectural character, the detailing is extremely refined, with some elements uniquely designed for this home. The meticulous attention to detailing and proportions begins with the architecture and extends seamlessly into the interior. Fixed furniture engages in a harmonious dialogue with the structure, with the same white stone used for floors and countertops. Complementary materials such as larch veneer and fine brass accents further enhance the design. The integration of contemporary art and carefully selected furniture completes the refined atmosphere of the home.
The house comprises three floors. In addition to the garage and technical spaces, the basement includes a bicycle shed and an art gallery, the latter offering expansive views of the lower, intimate garden. The heavy vault doors of the bicycle room, salvaged from a bank, are cast into the exposed concrete walls, setting the tone for a fascinating journey through the house.
The ground floor opens entirely onto the terrace. (As in the Farnsworth House, the trees serve as natural curtains for the space.) With varying methods of integration, the roof overhangs create constantly shifting perspectives on nature: horizontal versus vertical, dense versus distant, fragile versus rugged. Spaces flow seamlessly into one another, with views subtly shaped by enclosed garden rooms designed as islands within the white stone landscape. This level houses the owner’s day and night functions, evoking the atmosphere of a grand hotel suite.
The first floor, containing guest rooms, children’s rooms, and office space, offers the same immersive experience and high level of finish as the ground floor.
The entire house exudes a unique and luxurious ambiance, achieved without exaggeration—sensory architecture at its finest.
