OYO's sloped flowering house emerges from the landscape in belgium

OYO’s sloped flowering house emerges from the landscape in belgium
all images © cafeine / thomas de bruyne

raising from the grassy landscape, this semi-underground house realized by ghent-based firm OYO architects features a particular spatial organization and a scandinavian-influenced aesthetic. distinctive to its neighbors, the exterior of ‘house pibo’ is defined by the continuation of the soil, creating one continuous lifted green roof. one volume marks the access into the single-family home and the other serves as a light well – bringing natural light deep into the dining room.

the scheme is located in the belgian village of maldegem

beneath the sloping roof lies the multi-layered and split-leveled interior which is organized in a reverse order. this sees the living rooms and communal areas being positioned above the bedrooms. this ‘reverse’ strategy not only explores a cross relation between the spaces and natural lighting throughout the dwelling, having the bedrooms half a floor below ground level promotes natural cooling in the summer.

the sloping green roof is planted with different species of flowering plants that change throughout the year

from the beginnings of the design phase to the construction of the house, OYO’s main objective was sustainability, low-energy techniques and the use of local materials. hidden solar panels orientated to capture south-facing sunlight contribute to the sustainable ambition of the clients. additionally, for the exterior, a rubber roofing membrane was wrapped around the house to protect the interior from the changing weather conditions working as one façade element. since the the house seamlessly continues onto the ground level, it forms both the façade and roof and as the the rubber changes color as the seasons pass, so does the adjacent flowering and greenery.

the underground nature keeps the bedrooms cool in the summer

circulation is clear and straightforward; light enters from the side to the bedrooms, with the windows positioned on the same level as the terrain so a table can be placed underneath for kids to study. furthermore, the private terrace is a continuous wooden deck connecting the living rooms and kitchen with the exterior spaces

the choice in materials, furniture has created a scandinavian interior ambiance

the window is angled regarding the light conditions but also in regards to the inhabitants’ privacy. the use of wood and warm materials has culminated in a scandinavian-like interior ambiance. the balance of light and material-use like stone, wood and white surfaces are the defining elements that bring the interiors together in a harmonious family space.

the interior is made of a series of split levels and terraces