dieter de vos architecten forms triple brick arch house

dieter de vos architecten forms triple brick arch house
photo © filip dujardin
all images courtesy of dieter de vos architecten

although its construction can be a long and labor intensive process, brick is a structural component that has been used since the early civilizations of asia, europe, and the middle east. the material has transcended through time due to its numerous advantageous qualities. its strength and durability allows it to handle extreme weather conditions while resisting any warp, rot, or decay. because of this, their is little maintenance required. the density of its ingredients creates an efficient thermal mass which keeps the internal temperature within the thermal comfort zone. visually, its compact size is available in various colors, textures, and shapes to generate multiple patterns at large scales. for these reasons, the architects of dieter de vos architecten have developed the ‘triple brick arch house’.

view from the pool towards the house
photo © filip dujardin

the dwelling is centrally positioned on a plot of land at the edge of a residential neighborhood and opposite a small forest. an explicit orientation to the sun shapes the tripartite composition of the house. three gardens formally complement the organization, each intended for a specific time of day: morning, afternoon, evening.

view towards the house and the terrace
photo © filip dujardin

a symmetrical spatial configuration of three cubes around an equilateral triangle, together with an asymmetrical articulation at the carport, defines the building geometry. the volume is designed architectonically through a concrete and blockwork load-bearing structure, brickwork of hand-selected peat-fired bricks in flemish bond, and hardwood carpentry.

the brickwork is done with flemish bonds
photo © filip dujardin

view of the building volume with cantilevering carport
photo © filip dujardin

the living area with its open floor plan exposes the simple combination of forms. three large arched windows the bring daylight generously into the space and at the same time establish a close relationship between the interior and the landscape. the blind end walls contain embedded cabinets that allow the dining room, lounge, and office to find their appropriate place. warm, natural materials and colors enliven the public programs: wooden wall paneling throughout the space, a light-pink-and-sand-coloured terrazzo floor with an integrated kitchen worktop.

view through the arched window towards the dining area at dusk
photo © filip dujardin

interior of the dining area with wooden paneling and terrazzo work top
photo © filip dujardin

view of the sitting area through the arched window towards the pool
photo © filip dujardin

a self-supporting spiral staircase leads to the upper floor. three freestanding cupboards separate three rooms from the hallway. these furnishings grant storage space as well as technical equipment and sanitary cells. the rooms can be closed off from the corridor through invisibly detailed doors that blend in with the decor. here, daylight is provided through perforations situated only on the end partitions and in the flat roof. the uninterrupted perimeter wall is executed in ivory-painted blockwork in contrast to the smooth lacquered cabinets.

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