House DBVC

Client: DB–VC
Location: Vilvoorde
Realization: 2016 – 2018
Design team: David Driesen, Tom Verschueren, Lisa Estiévenart
Structural engineer: ASB
Photography: Bart Gosselin
Publications

 

The house is situated in the centre of Vilvoorde and consists of a 19th century town house, an extension and a big garden with a historic chapel from the 17th century. The house was originally divided in four living units and is transformed into a single-family house. The historic main volume got refreshed and its historic details are treasured and kept.

The extension is rebuilt into a sleek volume that complements and elevates the historicity of the town house. The footprint of the new extension has stayed the same as the previous one. The extension, that originally consisted of an ensemble of small spaces, is transformed into an L-form and has been made a tad higher to create as much light and space as possible. The facade is constructed with a a timbre frame construction in afzelia and has a sober elegant look because of its simple rhythm. In addition to its visuality, it was also decided to build with a timbre frame construction because of the logistical advantages: The beams could be easily transported through the adjacent plot without the need of a crane. The fast pace of the construction was also an advantage.


Because of its height, the extension connects the different spaces of the house, which is also beneficial for the family bond. In the double height space, a mezzanine was installed with a bureau and a library. The doorway between the extension and the main volume was enlarged, so that the daylight can circulate as far as the existing house. It also enhances the visual interaction with the city garden, the church tower and the historic chapel. The result is a beautiful synergy between the historic main volume and the contemporary extension that with its calm openness engages with the green environment.


Because of its height, the extension connects the different spaces of the house, which is also beneficial for the family bond. In the double height space, a mezzanine was installed with a bureau and a library. The doorway between the extension and the main volume was enlarged, so that the daylight can circulate as far as the existing house. It also enhances the visual interaction with the city garden, the church tower and the historic chapel. The result is a beautiful synergy between the historic main volume and the contemporary extension that with its calm openness engages with the green environment.