HEIDE Residence is a newly constructed single-family home located in the small village of Oosteeklo, near the city of Ghent. Designed for a young, blended family, the site features a unique historical element: a World War II-era protected shelter situated very close to the house within the garden.
To preserve the natural landscape surrounding the property, the architect placed the living areas on the upper floor, while bedrooms, bathrooms, and other functional spaces occupy the ground floor. This design creates a distinct contrast between the relatively closed, grounded first layer and the open, expansive glass facade of the second level.
This layout influences the home’s exterior appearance: the ground floor forms a robust base made of lime bricks, while the upper floor is a glass box supported by a lightweight wooden frame structure resting on this solid base. The wooden framework extends to the facade, which is also clad in wood, emphasizing the natural materials used.
Because the upper floor has a smaller footprint than the ground floor, a spacious terrace was added on the roof adjacent to the living area. An outdoor staircase connects this terrace to the garden below. The materials used on the exterior are echoed inside: the ground floor features exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and plastered surfaces.
Inside the second floor, the lightweight wooden frame is finished with wooden veneer, while the roof showcases exposed wooden beams coated with oil to enhance durability and maintain their natural appearance.
From a sustainability standpoint, HEIDE Residence excels. Its compact volume minimizes heat loss through exterior walls. The house is equipped with a mechanical ventilation system featuring heat recovery, solar panels, and heat pumps to ensure efficient, sustainable energy production.
Project Drawings
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architects: Architecture Studio Vos, Airship Architecture
Area: 210 m²
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: Johnny Umans
Manufacturers: Deltalight, Vaillant, Ventiline
Lead Architects: Emily Pescod, Julie Vanden Bussche
Structural Engineer: De Munck Pascal bvba
Contractors: De Brabander bvba, Plasterwerke Verstraeten
Timber Contractor: Nico Vandevire
Location: Assenede, Belgium
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