‘KCV house’ by graux & baeyens architecten in mechelen, belgium all images courtesy graux & baeyens architecten image © luc roymans

 

 

 

belgian practice graux & baeyens architecten (koen baeyens, basile graux) has sent us images of ‘KCV house’, a renovation project to a three-storey family house in the city center of mechelen, belgium. enclosed from three sides by adjacent structures, the design aims to secure large vistas for each level through the street façade while seamlessly integrating itself into the city’s urban fabric.

graux & baeyens architecten: KCV house street elevation image © luc roymans

 

 

 

slotted onto a slim site, the pre-existing 18th century house initially exhibited a series of small windows that generated a cramped expression to the street facade. by stacking large square-shaped windows which stretches the whole height of each storey, the elevation gains a fresh identity while projecting the interior beyond the building towards the old city skyline. re-finished with a white plaster facade, the wooden window frames are highlighted in its contrast.

graux & baeyens architecten: KCV house (left) stacked windows (right) street view images © luc roymans

 

 

 

with a small footprint measuring 41 m2, the main challenge of the layout was to provide a comfortable organization of living spaces. each level combines complimentary programs together to ensure an organic flow of functions: dining room with the kitchen; bedroom with the bathroom; living room with a work space. the original elements of the building are maintained through the exposed timber floor structure, stairs and brick walls. the old pitched roof was removed to accommodate a piano room and an outdoor terrace with a panoramic view.

graux & baeyens architecten: KCV house roof terrace from the piano room image © luc roymans

graux & baeyens architecten: KCV house interior view of dining space and kitchen image © luc roymans

graux & baeyens architecten: KCV house bedroom image © luc roymans

graux & baeyens architecten: KCV house bathroom partition opened image © luc roymans

graux & baeyens architecten: KCV house bathroom partition closed image © luc roymans

graux & baeyens architecten: KCV house original brick wall image © luc roymans

graux & baeyens architecten: KCV house within context image © luc roymans

graux & baeyens architecten: KCV house concept

graux & baeyens architecten: KCV house physical model

graux & baeyens architecten: KCV house floor plan / level 0 (1) entrance (2) living room (3) workspace

graux & baeyens architecten: KCV house floor plan / level +1 (4) kitchen (5) dining

graux & baeyens architecten: KCV house floor plan / level +2 (6) bedroom (7) washroom

graux & baeyens architecten: KCV house floor plan / level +3 (8) piano room (9) roof top terrace

graux & baeyens architecten: KCV house(left) front elevation (right) longitudinal section

 

 

project info:

 

site area: 41 sqm built area: 125 sqm