Woluwe
complete renovation of a rural house
design
Client:
Private
Location:
Brussels (BE)
Date:
2026 - ongoing
While the external modifications were executed by Thomas x Van Meer architects, études F was commissioned to design the interior spaces. Confronted with strict volume constraints, the project was approached through three guiding principles: maximizing light and spatial openness, maintaining a sober respect for the existing structure, and establishing material continuity throughout the home.
On the ground floor, partitions were removed to establish a fluid sequence from kitchen to dining and living areas. This open layout unlocks visual transparency across the entire length of the site, offering perspectives toward both the front and rear gardens from any standpoint. Upward circulation leads to the first floor, which integrates the primary bedroom, family bathroom, and a flexible office space. Here, a central piece of custom furniture was designed to flawlessly integrate the bedroom wardrobe, hidden doors, and office storage, serving to simultaneously divide and connect the four adjacent zones. Designed with adaptable timber partitions, this workspace seamlessly opens or closes toward the staircase, serving a dual purpose as a playroom or guest suite.
On the uppermost level under the sloped roof, the children's quarters were reconfigured from a single open floor into a shared ecosystem. To provide privacy while retaining a sense of expansive volume, two bespoke wooden "niche" bedrooms were inserted on one side, freeing up a clear shared room dedicated to play, study, and c reative activity.
Through a disciplined material palette centered on raw brick, natural wood, and subtle integrated greenery, the project avoids superfluous architectural gestures. The result is a highly calibrated living environment where lightweight interventions gracefully temper the density of family life within a compact, historic suburban shell.