Nestled in a hidden corner of Brussels’ city center, this passive house brings high-quality urban living to a shallow plot between tall apartment buildings. The new four-story residence harmonizes with the diverse surroundings by seamlessly blending the typologies of an industrial building and a mansion block, both characteristic of the neighborhood.
A bold architectural gesture, a blank protrusion hanging over the entrance, gives the shallow building depth and character. This element both structures the façade composition and creates space for curved lateral windows with oblique views into the narrow street. The façade showcases craftsmanship, composed of red-brown bricks arranged in a delicate pattern. The brickwork features a rich texture with bricks cut to five different sizes. This variety allows the brickwork to seamlessly wrap the building’s rounded corners and curved window reveals, evoking the plasticity of Brussels’ city houses.
The design of the interior is organized by a clear and symmetrical front side and an asymmetrical oval tower stair at the back side. The curving on the exterior facade now turns inwards, and produces a spatial flow from the ground floor up to the piano mobile on the third floor.
The house is stacked vertically, with each floor serving a distinct purpose. The ground floor houses a guest room and garage, while the first floor is dedicated to the children’s rooms and a shared playroom. The parents’ suite, complete with a bedroom, private bathroom, and study, occupies the second floor. The uppermost floor is reserved for the kitchen and living room, opening onto the south-facing balcony. A furnished rooftop terrace with a half-bath further enhances the living space, offering an urban panorama.