Located in Gent, Belgium, this inspiring single family residence was designed in 2014 by OYO.

Description by OYO
This family house designed by OYO is the result of a close collaboration between client and architect. OYO was given carte blanche, which opened the possibility to focus on an ecological and compact building from the start. Unlike most single family houses in Belgium OYO started with the idea of positioning the living rooms on top of the bedrooms. In a house composed with split-levels it was important to establish cross relations between the spaces and natural lighting conditions throughout all spaces.
The house is defined by the continuation of the soil, creating one continuous lifted green roof. The only exception: two popping volumes created on the green surface. One defines the entrance, the other brings light deep into the dining room. The window is dimensioned regarding the light conditions but carefully positioned so the inhabitants maintain privacy towards the street. The use of wood and warm materials was an inspired decision to create a Scandinavian-like interior ambiance. The balance of light and material-use like stone, wood and white surfaces are the defining elements that bring everything together. Positioning the bedrooms half a floor below ground level keeps them cool in summer. They are connected visually with the living spaces through the split-level floors. Light enters from the side to the bedrooms and the windows are posit...