The clients themselves had a very clear vision of how they wanted to live in their future home. They dreamed of a compact volume, preferably with a rectangular ground plan. Furthermore, a central fireplace, around which family life takes place, was on their wish list. With this story, JUMA went to work. In particular, the idea of positioning the fireplace in the center of the home was greatly appreciated by JUMA architects. Not least because this principle was often applied in the past by JUMA’s great example and source of inspiration, architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

After an intense design process, this resulted in a zoning where the sitting area, dining area and open kitchen will unfold around the cozy fire. All these spaces are neatly located within the predetermined rectangular floor plan and, of course, without becoming boring.

The concatenation of different features is accompanied by height differences to keep that important experience engaging. For example, the living area is located in a sitting pit to create a cozy feeling, while the breakfast nook connects to the upstairs landing via a loft. The entrance, toilet, checkroom and stairs were oriented north and are located at the level of the front facade that is rather closed in design.

One large framed window is an exception to the closed nature of the front façade and allows the breakfast nook to be bathed in morning light. In addition, the pronounced window frame accentuates the presence of the loft. In turn, the living spaces and bedrooms are southwest facing to enjoy as much light and visibility as possible. The rear façade reflects this philosophy and to this end is maximally open-plan.

Photos © Annick Vernimmen