linear concrete residence by govaert & vanhoutte architects blends in belgian forest

situated on the edge of a belgian forest, ‘residence FSD’ by govaert & vanhoutte architects is a linear concrete dwelling imbedded in its inclined terrain. the steep slope perpendicular to the house makes the project appear as a one-level volume from the street towards the north-east, whereas two full layers open up towards the open landscape in the south-west. generous terraces form the building’s outside space, while a swimming pool on the larger, lower terrace extends forward into the forest in order to receive more sunlight.all images © tim van de velde

govaert & vanhoutte architects has concealed the residence behind a a closed off mass, clad in plank-textured concrete on the street side. at the same time, the fully-glazed façade facing the south-west lower landscape allows the interior to open up towards the natural surroundings. the primary entrance and a small car space are located on the highest point of the terrain on the street level, while a secondary path, which leads past a wooden façade beneath the concrete mass, ends in the building’s garages.

with great views towards the landscape, the upper level encloses all day functions such as the kitchen and dining room, living and private office. additionally, the master bedroom, dressing room and bathroom are located on the eastern side of this level, complete with a small patio that floods the master bathroom with natural light. a central wide staircase takes residents to the lower level, which houses all night functions, a garage and various storages.

both levels of the house are complete with large terraces topped with concrete canopies that shelter all bedrooms for a more intimate setting while also blocking the sun. the swimming pool slides from underneath the terrace of the upper floor, moving forward into the forest to reach more sunlight. the swimming pool was partially reduced in depth, allowing an old tree stay where it is and keeping the surrounding nature intact.

‘a strong definition of outside space being a part of the architecture creates a clear boundary in between forest & building,’ notes govaert & vanhoutte architects. ‘the forest remains as a were, touching the house.’