Conversion and extension of a house
La Roche is a town located in the northern part of the Belgian Ardennes. Rich in medieval history, as evidenced by the remains of its castle, the town suffered extensive damage during the Second World War. Nevertheless, some vernacular houses have survived. These houses, with schist stone walls 60 centimetres thick, represent a valuable heritage worthy of preservation.
This project proposes a new contemporary design that engages directly with the region’s existing traditional architecture. The aim was to open up the spaces of this small house while employing a minimalist approach. The result is a new structure featuring natural local materials, the reuse of schist stone salvaged from the demolition, and the preservation of the building’s historic elements.
The new extension seeks to connect the house optimally to the outdoor spaces: a rock-hewn courtyard on the ground floor and terraced gardens on the upper levels.
The extension features a clean, streamlined form clad in natural slate, creating a link between the new façades and the existing roofs.
The project combines history, respect for the existing environment, and a fresh start for sustainable use.
