‘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.

LENS°ASS architecten: rabbit hole - 2 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. 

LENS°ASS architecten: rabbit hole - 3 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.

LENS°ASS architecten: rabbit hole - 4 view into house from private yard

LENS°ASS architecten: rabbit hole - 5 interior view

LENS°ASS architecten: rabbit hole - 6 view from dining space

LENS°ASS architecten: rabbit hole - 7 brickwork in floors and ceiling

LENS°ASS architecten: rabbit hole - 8 double-height ceiling

LENS°ASS architecten: rabbit hole - 9 bathroom

LENS°ASS architecten: rabbit hole - 10

LENS°ASS architecten: rabbit hole - 11from tunnel

LENS°ASS architecten: rabbit hole - 12 night view