‘extension vB4’ by dmvA, brecht, belgium image © mick couwenbergh all images courtesy of dmvA

architecture firm dmvA located in mechelen, belgium has recently completed ‘extension vB4’ an addition to an A-frame house within the countryside of brecht, belgium. considering the strict building regulations of this municipality this former holiday cottage was transformed into a contemporary residence using a limited space of 26 square meters. the extension from the existing form resulted in a floating volume built with trapezoidal wooden structures.

the new timber parts followed the same frames and studs as the original. these borders next to each other connect the old and new space creating a new library, washroom and entrance area. the exterior is recladded in black stained siding positioned vertically to create a similar repetitive motion as the surrounding forest. the back and front of the home is fully glazed with a movable partition wall which allows for uninterrupted views of the adjacent garden and pond. 

dmvA: extension vB4 library and new entrance image © mick couwenbergh

dmvA: extension vB4 dining space image © mick couwenbergh

dmvA: extension vB4 corridor to garden image © mick couwenbergh

dmvA: extension vB4 sliding partition wall image © mick couwenbergh

dmvA: extension vB4 existing and new stud frames image © mick couwenbergh

dmvA: extension vB4 exterior with closed partition image © mick couwenbergh

dmvA: extension vB4 exterior with open partition image © mick couwenbergh

dmvA: extension vB4 entrance image © mick couwenbergh

dmvA: extension vB4 surrounding property image © mick couwenbergh

dmvA: extension vB4 existing space image © mick couwenbergh

dmvA: extension vB4 section with new extension image © mick couwenbergh

project info:

completed: 2011 design: dmva   principal: rini van beek team: david driesen, tom verschueren, toon verboven location: brecht    general contractor: eddy leys (steel), rudy meyvis (carpentry),  boomse glashandel (glass) constructional engineer: ASB built area: 54 m2 and 26 m2 addition photography: mick couwenbergh