The extension of a typical semi-open terraced house in Mortsel does not take the form of a stereotypical addition, but that of a fully-fledged second home. With its series of rooms, fireplace and staircase, the new two-storey house reflects the property in front. It is also executed in brick and boasts a similarly profiled tiled roof. The facade of this ‘secret annex’ faces the garden. Where the back and front of the house join, the side wall of the extension folds inwards. This interrupts the long alleyway and creates a small outdoor space. We used the masonry side wall to reveal the cross section of the new house and allowed it to play a decisive role within the interior, where the same brickwork is continued. White paintwork has a unifying effect. The wall thus becomes an abstract collage of textures.
Wooden floor and roof girders make the connection between the new wall and the existing party wall.
All divisions are designed as light infills.
Differences in height, combined with a void provide for long perspectives through the house.
The living room and the study on the mezzanine
The new staircase. A stack of bulky elements with an elegant balustrade.
Unfolding of the Stairs
House Extension
Mortsel
Site plan
Ground floor plan. Kitchen and dining room move to the front house. The living room is situated in the back house. The widening of the alley gives acces to the kitchen. This middle room receives daylight again.
First floor plan. The rooms in the back house are positioned around a void. A staircase connects the rooms. Staircase and chimney make the back house complete.
Second floor
Section
- Design teamDirk Somers, Merijn Muller & Christopher Paesbrugghe
- LocationMortsel
- Year2009 - 2012
- ClientBruun Geysen en Nadia Spoelders
- PhotographyKarin Borghouts & Michiel De Cleene