LENS°ASS architecten: rabbit hole

‘rabbit hole’ by LENS’ASS architecten in pajottenland, belgium all images courtesy LENS’ASS architecten

belgian practice LENS°ASS architecten has completed ‘rabbit hole’, a private single-family dwelling and veterinary clinic in pajottenland, belgium. featuring a masoned brick tunnel that extends from the street, the design links together and brings order to a cluster of existing buildings while encircling a private outdoor yard at its center.

street view

serving as the primary access point from the street, the narrow tunnel is humble and unassuming in presence, continuing on the material palette of the circumscribing brick fence. a subtle turn in the passageway blocks direct views into the yard, providing a level of privacy as well as a dynamic approach. the enclosed outdoor area spatially connects together the dwelling with the adjacent veterinary practice while offering a buffer zone between programs. 

brickwork

focusing on framing views of the sloping landscape, windows of varying sizes are placed strategically to face the surrounding farmland and 17th-century gaasbeek castle in the distance. roughly carved wooden beams and posts are left exposed to maintain a rural atmosphere within. barn-style doors over windows and openings lend a modernized farmhouse aesthetic to the exterior.

view into house from private yard

interior view

view from dining space

brickwork in floors and ceiling

double-height ceiling

bathroom

from tunnel

night view