The original building consisted of two floors and an attic, plus a courtyard that is separated from the street by a garden wall. The inner structure of the house was in a poor condition and the rooms were too small, so it was decided to keep only the facade and build a complete new structure in the house.

© Tim Van de Velde

Architects: Atelier Vens Vanbelle

Location: Ghent, Belgium

Lead Architects: Dries Vens, Maarten Vanbelle

Area: 190.0 m2

Project Year: 2016

Photographs: Tim Van de Velde

© Tim Van de Velde

From the architect. The original building consisted of two floors and an attic, plus a courtyard that is separated from the street by a garden wall. The inner structure of the house was in a poor condition and the rooms were too small, so it was decided to keep only the facade and build a complete new structure in the house.
Courtesy of Atelier Vens Vanbelle

An oak tree trunk was placed as new support structure in the middle of the pentagonal plan. The new upper floors were hung in a spiral movement between the existing exterior walls and this central support. This led to an open interior space without interior walls in the living areas. The tree was a logical and affordable solution, and it immediately gave the right atmosphere to the new home. The bathroom, kitchen, entrance and storage / laundry room were compiled in a vertical volume.

© Tim Van de Velde...