In a Belgium neighborhood defined by zoning constraints, an innovative family house emerges, revolutionizing traditional design principles with its minimalist geometry and incorporating elements from timber house design. Drawing inspiration from classic card houses, the structure features steep, seamless roofs paired with meticulously aligned timber façades that embody uniformity and elegance.
The Vision Behind the Design
Construction capitalized on pre-existing foundations, respecting zoning restrictions while maximizing space with a cruciform structure. This residential project undertaken by Vantieghem Talebi echoes historic beach houses, fitting harmoniously within its environment. The three-story design leverages cross laminated timber (CLT) panels, enabling swift on-site assembly.
Exploring the theme of seamless integration, customizable timber home designs highlight the versatility and adaptability of timber architecture.
The house comprises four distinct bays, each referred to as ‘pitched chapels’ by the architects, featuring timber-clad interiors and ceilings extending into the eaves. The main living areas combine white walls with timber flooring, adding warmth and simplicity, key aspects of this architectural style.
At the basement level, concrete and rendered walls create a transformative journey through the house. Externally, Douglas-fir cladding, treated for durability, maintain the aesthetic purity of the design with hidden gutters and drainage systems.
The interior space spans 265 square meters, free of visible structural columns thanks to its panel construction. A standout feature is the suspended staircase, which appears to float above the ground. The absence of glazing bars on windows and a minimalist glass banister enhance openness and lightness, hallmarks of both these timber designs and timber architecture in general.
For those drawn to the allure of wood in architecture, Stefano Boeri’s modular timber housing in Ibiza showcases lush gardens and prefabricated innovations.
This architectural feat reflects the expertise of Vantieghem Talebi, a firm based in Venice Beach, California, and Basel, Switzerland. Paul Vantieghem and Raha Talebi bring their experience from esteemed firms like Herzog & de Meuron and projects such as the Tate Modern Extension and M+ Museum in Hong Kong. Discover more about their innovative work at VantieghemTalebi.com.
Source: wallpaper.com
Frequently asked questions
What design elements are featured in the Belgian timber house?
The house features steep, seamless roofs and meticulously aligned timber façades inspired by classic card houses. It includes four distinct bays called ‘pitched chapels’ and timber-clad interiors with ceilings extending into the eaves.
How was the Belgian timber house constructed?
The construction used cross laminated timber (CLT) panels for swift on-site assembly. The design respected zoning restrictions by capitalizing on pre-existing foundations and included a cruciform structure with four distinct bays.
What architectural firm designed the Belgian timber house?
The project was undertaken by Vantieghem Talebi, a firm based in Venice Beach, California, and Basel, Switzerland, with expertise from former work with Herzog & de Meuron.