machteld d’hollander's 'martelaar house' is a tropical oasis in ghent

a garden house in belgium

The Belgian city of Ghent is the unlikely backdrop for this Martelaar House, a lush oasis by local architect Machteld D’Hollander. The home stands in contrast to its urban surroundings — known for its medieval influences and dreary climate — as it is infused with a tropical, sunlit atmosphere and gardens which flourish from the outside-in.

The renovation project includes the addition of two contemporary garden pavilions, with plants and trees thriving in place of a cramped structure. Still, the design team leaves a reminder of the dwelling’s industrial past with elements of the original structure, including some of its original derelict walls, left to shine between the foliage.

images © Stijn Bollaert | @stijn_bollaert

a place for escape by machteld d’hollander

The Martelaar House is more than just a renovation — it is a transformation by Machteld D’Hollander of space and atmosphere. The conversion of a once-enclosed and cluttered industrial space into a verdant sanctuary lends an escape from the surrounding urban environment. With a keen understanding of the power of greenery, the architect teams up with landscape designers Bart & Pieter to emphasize this integration of nature into the built environment. Walls that once defined boundaries are replaced with a profusion of plants and trees, creating a harmonious coexistence of architecture and landscape.

nature grows inside and out the residential renovation

landscape designers Bart & Pieter infuse the space with gardens
the renovation includes two new pavilionsthe once-cluttered industrial building is opened up with full-height glass walls