OL6

Architect Jan Lefevere transformed a former dental practice from 1962 into a bright and inviting family home. The building had been neglected and vacant for many years. The previous owner had closed it off and used the space as storage. Over time, the new adjacent buildings had blocked much of the light.

To address this issue, a scale model of the surrounding area was created, including all the new nearby buildings. The existing building was placed as a solid block in the model. It was studied how light beams could penetrate deeply into the house. These light beams were literally transferred onto the solid block in the model, resulting in large round openings.

This design methodology led to significant changes, with the largest visual statement being made by casting a large circular opening in the concrete slab above the kitchen and living area. In doing so, the room above was sacrificed, creating a spacious void that allowed light to penetrate deep into the home. This was both a structural and aesthetic challenge, as the concrete slab supports a large portion of the existing house.

Valuable original elements of the building, such as the staircase, sanitary fixtures, lighting, and cabinet panels, were preserved during demolition and given a new place within the home. When restoring the stairwell, the original in-situ cast concrete was revealed, which had never been intended to be visible. However, we were charmed by the imprint of the wooden formwork and replicated this look in the new concrete, so it is not always clear what is original and what has been added later. The glass blocks – Lumax, designed by Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand – which had previously been hidden, were uncovered and restored.

The rear facade was also redesigned. The newly inserted concrete slab with circular openings leads to large sliding windows, blurring the boundary between inside and outside. The large glass surface not only lets in abundant light but also creates a direct connection with the city garden, which serves as a green retreat in the midst of the urban environment. Rainwater is collected and flows through a steel pipe into a concrete rainwater tank. A planted vine will gradually take over the entire rear facade and 'swallow' it.

The use of color plays an important role in the transformation. In the various spaces, there is a distinctive use of blue and old rose hues. The blue, which appears in the floors, curtains, and windows of the front facade, originates from the original facade of the building. The old rose is reflected in the curtains, structural elements, and windows of the rear facade. The color selection for the plywood panels was inspired by the existing staircase.

The house is an impressive example of how respecting the origins of a building and applying bold, contemporary designs can go hand in hand. The radical choices made, from the large circle in the ceiling to the refined details in color and material, together form a modern family home that seamlessly combines light, space, and history. The result is a home that not only supports family life but also reflects the surrounding environment, while smoothly and stylishly adapting to the future.

photography Luc Roymans