yama architects' house wa perches two elongated volumes on stone plinth in belgium

YAMA Architects Embeds Residence into Zulte’s Natural Landscape

Located in a rural area of Zulte, Belgium, House WA by YAMA architects is composed of two elongated volumes placed on a stone plinth. The project explores the relationship between built form and natural surroundings, balancing structural grounding with spatial openness. The 400 sqm residence is integrated into its landscape through its massing and material treatment. The linear volumes are arranged to follow the site’s topography, slightly elevated to establish visual connection with the environment while maintaining a degree of privacy. The configuration enables a direct interaction with the terrain while minimizing visual impact.

Internally, the layout prioritizes spatial flow through transitions in materials and light rather than solid partitions. Long axial views connect various interior zones and frame exterior vistas. Window openings are positioned to manage natural light and highlight changes in weather, daylight, and seasons. Thresholds between interior and exterior spaces are defined through spatial shifts rather than abrupt separations.

all images by Klaudia Adamiak

Textured Concrete and Timber Define House WA’s Tactile Interiors

YAMA architects’ material selection contributes to the spatial and sensory character of the project. The base plinth and floor surfaces are formed from textured concrete, offering visual depth through changes in natural light. Cantilevered canopies extend from the volumes, emphasizing linearity and structural precision. The juxtaposition of robust, monolithic elements with refined, weightless gestures defines the home’s quiet complexity. Wall surfaces are finished in dark timber cladding, providing contrast to the lighter horizontal elements. The ceiling is uniformly treated to maintain visual continuity and reduce distraction. The architectural detailing emphasizes accuracy and consistency. Custom joinery and integrated furniture elements are designed in alignment with the building’s material logic. The concrete floor includes exposed aggregate for tactile variation, while the timber surfaces offer a controlled absorption of light. These features support a consistent spatial rhythm and reinforce the intended material coherence.

House WA functions as a primary residence designed to engage with environmental factors through its orientation, material choices, and spatial strategy. The building operates as a platform for observing landscape and weather patterns, avoiding excessive separation from the surrounding environment. It does not assert dominance over the site but integrates with it through scale, proportion, and materiality.

two elongated volumes rest on a stone plinth in rural Zulte, Belgium

House WA is designed to follow the natural topography of the site

the residence maintains visual connection while preserving privacy

linear massing integrates the structure with the landscape

openings are placed to capture daylight and seasonal shifts

long sightlines frame outdoor views and connect interior zones

transitions in materials guide movement through the interior

spatial flow is defined by light, not rigid partitions

dark timber cladding contrasts with the lighter architectural elements

a restrained material palette ensures spatial continuity

project info:

name: House WA
architect: YAMA architects | @yama.architects
location: Zulte, Belgium

photographer: Klaudia Adamiak | @klaudiadamiak

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom