NU architectuuratelier completes a narrow split-level house in the center of ghent

on a very narrow plot in ghent, belgium, NU architectuuratelier has realized a split-level family house with studio space. by implementing an upside-down program and an inner courtyard, the design team has created an elegant home with lots of light and great views of the city. 

images by stijn bollaert

NU architectuuratelier stacks the program in split levels around a central staircase. this strengthens the relationship between the various functions and creates a unique spatiality, turning the house into a collection of linked spaces.

the residential status quo is completely reversed by placing the living areas upstairs and the sleeping areas below. compensating for the limited surface area of the house is the beautiful city view. on the first floor, facing the street, is a multi-purpose reception room that is connected to an inner courtyard. behind this courtyard is an office/studio space that is situated across two levels. this configuration ensures that the connection to the street is kept alive despite the fact that the dwelling is organized upside down.

there is one window on the side wall in the kitchen that welcomes the midday sun and ensures a view of the adjacent city archive building. in addition to the central staircase, there is also an elevator in the façade area. 

the residence is characterized by a simple structure that is readable from the interior finish. the elevational treatment is made up of stainless steel corrugated sheets and a concrete plinth with a similar wavy surface.

project info:

name: bagattenstraat

type: residential new construction

location: ghent, belgium

client: private

architecture firm: NU architectuuratelier

NU design team: freek dendooven, marie bemelmans, armand eeckels

status: complete

year: 2019

stability: jan hoste

engineer: HP engineers

garden design: atelier arne deruyter

realization: morti, yvan martens; dvd-metaal; van den bulcke nick; meubelmakerij verdonck, in ‘t wit, lieven deneckere bvba, karl taelman; hoffman polijstwerken

photography: stijn bollaert | @stijn_bollaert