hé! transforms industrial building into house with timber roof extension in brussels

KARPER house by Hé! architects

Hé! Architects has renovated an industrial building in Brussels, transforming it into ‘Karper’, a residence with a studio and co-working space, with a focus on densification, the circular economy and co-housing. ‘The notions of subtlety, simplicity, repetition and flexibility were always central in this project to create an easily adaptable, low-tech building,’ the architects explain. A roof extension has been added to the existing volume, built in a timber frame structure with exposed beams. Straw bales from a nearby farm were chosen as the insulation material, while second-hand recycled products add character and prevent additional emissions from new materials.

all images by Tim Van de Velde

A LOW-TECH RENOVATION IN BRUSSELS

In Karper, Hé! Architects has transformed an old, worn down building into an open, ecological, soft-toned residence. Everything had to be energy neutral in the design, and materials were chosen for their low environmental footprint. By using bio-based materials as much as possible, instead of conventional construction materials, the building has a very low ecological impact and provides a healthy and pleasant living environment. ‘With this project we want to show that building in renewable, raw and back to basic materials are no longer just for rural living but they can also be applied to urban assignments,’ notes the Brussels-based studio.

By extending the building with a timber addition, the architects opened up the dark space and allowed natural light to enter. The extension encloses a double height space, and provides residents with an open roof terrace. Many parts of the home’s interior, including the walls and floor platforms, have a modular design, allowing for them to be taken down and/or reassembled in case there is a change in family circumstances.

a wooden roof extension tops the old building