Designed by Govaert & Vanhoutte architects, Residence SAB in Sint-Martens-Latem, Belgium, is a single-family home set within a wooded landscape adjacent to a golf course, where topography, mature trees, and an existing forest path informed the architectural approach. Rather than introducing a dominant object, the project adopts a modest footprint and a linear layout aligned with the natural contours of the terrain. The site is defined by gently undulating topography, with wooded areas showing elevation variations of up to 2 meters.
The design brief called for a nature-integrated single-family home. In response, the house is organized around a longitudinal ground floor, complemented by a basement and a compact upper level. Sustainability is framed through longevity, with the aim of creating a residence that remains livable across generations while preserving and reinforcing the site’s ecological value.
Conceptual approach and design
The architectural concept is organized around two distinct volumes set on a unified horizontal base. A predominantly closed wooden volume spans two levels, while a single-story, glass-enclosed volume opens toward the forest and pool, sliding beneath the wooden structure. Both are anchored and framed by the continuous base slab.
Along the roadside, a concrete wall shields the glazed volume from the road and adjacent golf course, establishing a clear threshold to the entrance, reached via a gently sloping path. The ground floor is divided into two zones. To the south, a luminous glass volume accommodates the main living spaces — dining room, kitchen, breakfast nook, living room, and library/cinema — with expansive views toward the forest and pool. The dining area extends into a covered outdoor space designed for low-seated dining, adjacent to a barbecue and fireplace.
Canopies provide protection from rain and summer sun, while winter light filters through bare branches to illuminate the interiors. To the north, the enclosed wooden volume houses a back kitchen, sanitary facilities, an elevator, and a home office with a more intimate atmosphere.
Landscape preservation and ecological strategy
The building’s position and geometry were determined by the existing forest structure. All significant trees on the site, including mature American oaks, were retained. The house aligns longitudinally with the terrain and is set to one side of the plot, limiting ground occupation and preserving soil continuity. A modest open lawn was introduced along the southern edge, while new trees were planted across the site — including on the footprint of a former tennis court — reinforcing the long-term forest canopy.
The original forest path was adapted as the access driveway, protecting root systems and establishing a gradual spatial sequence toward the house. Basement excavation was carried out with careful attention to soil moisture retention and root protection. As a result, only a small portion of the site is physically occupied by the building, allowing the landscape to remain the dominant presence.
Architectural organization and materials
The clear separation between base, solid volume, and transparent volume establishes a flexible spatial structure and a legible material hierarchy. The wooden upper volume provides shading and solar protection to the glazed spaces below while introducing a renewable primary material above grade. The concrete base contributes thermal mass, durability, and long-term structural stability.
On the upper level, four bedrooms are contained within the wooden volume, providing privacy and limiting direct southern solar exposure. The roof accommodates a secondary sunlit terrace with a lounge area, fireplace, jacuzzi, and pétanque court — a useful addition given that much of the surrounding outdoor space remains shaded throughout the day.
Beneath the base slab, a basement mirrors the footprint of the ground floor and is accessed via a sloping corridor branching from the main approach. This level accommodates an underground garage, wellness area, fitness space, bar, and lounge. Narrow windows offer glimpses of the northern landscape above the forest line. The bar and lounge connect directly to the southeast-facing pool via a wide exterior concrete stair linking the underground spaces to the outdoor area.
Minimized carbon footprint
The project limits embodied carbon through spatial restraint, structural clarity, and the use of durable materials, avoiding experimental solutions. A reduced footprint, limited excavation, and a simple load-bearing system lower material use and construction complexity.
Timber is used strategically in the upper volume, while the concrete base supports long-term durability and adaptability. South-facing glazing captures winter solar gain, while canopies and existing trees mitigate summer overheating. A geothermal heat pump provides low-temperature heating, reducing operational emissions; on-site photovoltaics further limit reliance on grid energy. Bedrooms are located within the enclosed wooden volume, reducing direct solar exposure and cooling demand.
Adaptible for future use
The clear distinction between structural base, enclosed volume, and open living spaces allows for future reconfiguration. The basement mirrors the ground floor, accommodating functions that can evolve independently and support future programmatic change without structural alteration. Dry-assembled timber and glazed systems enable selective disassembly and potential reuse at the end of their service life.
