low architecten: tuinkamer

‘tuinkamer’ by low architecten, zele, belgium images © stijn bollaert

antwerp based studio, low architecten, has completed ‘tuinkamer’, an addition to a single family home located in belgium. the weightless steel and glass unit opens onto the private back garden, bringing natural light into the previously enclosed dwelling.

the large steel structure contrasts the existing home – a freestanding unit in a typical flemish neighborhood – with its dark color and geometrically composed facade. alternating windows and steel panels emphasize the relationship between the building and surrounding landscape, providing interest to both the interior and exterior environments.

the alternating panels of glass and steel provide an interesting and varied composition

the skewed volume offsets the existing structure, enlarging the living room, kitchen and dining room. a slightly sloped ceiling provides a gentle transition between the differentiating heights of the new extension and the existing home. by leaving the structural steel beams exposed, the volume adopts a minimal aesthetic mainly consisting of two colors that permit the garden to become the main focus.

the sloped ceiling allows the volume to extend beyond the height of the existing house while still maintaining a relationship between the interior spaces