Ciardullo - Sluysmans
Two-faced cocoon
Design and construction of a single-family home
This house in Dalhem, in the Walloon region of Belgium, is an exception to the rule. It is not near a public road, but recedes somewhat behind a row of street houses. It is rather the odd one out in Walloon architecture. In short, a strong challenge.
The black construction created by Egide Meertens Plus presents two faces: a pronounced closed façade and an open rear wall. The pivoting wall in the façade allows the residents to make an inviting gesture to the outside world or fully disappear in the cocoon of their choosing. When closed, the black pivoting wall blends into the façade. When opened, it gives access to a patio that houses the entrance door.
On the ground floor, the anthracite brickwork is fully closed off, with the exception of the rear wall. That glass wall fully interacts with the green surroundings, while the partly-walled terrace makes it possible to enjoy the outside area, even in cooler weather.
On the first floor, the façade is opened up a bit. The designer opted for consistency in making the windows on the first floor all the same shape and size.
For this project, building regulations in the Walloon region proved to be a challenge. The urban authorities had to be persuaded to accept this modern architectural concept (Walloon energy-supply regulations also differ from Flemish requirements).
Detailed, no frills
This interior is part of the architectural design of a small house in Dalhem, in the Walloon region of Belgium. The owners wanted a distinctly white interior for this somewhat isolated, but characterful house. The choice for compact architecture translated into a larger finishing budget, which is mainly visible in the details. Thus the black bath tap is integrated in a ditto slab that runs along the entire length of the bath. The same applies to the tap of the walk-in shower.
The interior was kept sober, without fringes. Indirect sunlight creates a special atmosphere with the onset of darkness.
