Belgium – Anvers
Back in the 1960s in Antwerp. The green belt of the Belgian port city was a place of architectural experimentation. Among the few interesting villas built, the Beli house, one of the first architectural gems purchased by the clients of Studio Okami Architects. While the building was in a state of disrepair, the power of the original design was palpable, even through the thick greenery that invaded the space at the time, say the architects.
But with changing standards and metamorphoses in home use, such as working from home or having a busy family life, an increase in the number of original square meters was inevitable. Faced with this fact, a reconstruction of the house in the respect of its original architectural qualities was the best option. On the program, a modern restoration while being an ode to the design of the 60s.
This mass sees its drawing outlined by its concrete walls. A mass that blends into the surrounding greenery through its floor, a box dressed with mirrors. This second floor reflects the forest and allows the villa to keep its silhouette of horizontal bungalow. This long look is emphasized by the floor-to-ceiling sliding windows under the cantilevered roof. Visual and spatial interactions between the garden, concrete, glass, and mirrored volume give the building its timeless appearance and form an ode to the strength of the original design.
Lisa Agostini
Credit: Nick Claeskens