House DZ | Graux & Baeyens Architecten

The general concept of the building is responsive to the narrow plot and dense program as required by the clients. The brief was for both a family home and a physiotherapy practice. Planning regulations required a minimum clear gap of 4 metres between the neighbours on both sides of the already narrow site which meant that the buildings organisation had to be very efficient with space. The first step in working with these limitations was to switch the traditional dwelling program. The daylight functions (kitchen, dining, living & terraces) are located on the first floor with bedrooms and bathrooms located on the ground floor. This allowed for better views from the spaces on the first floor along with much more natural light entering the most commonly used spaces. The monolithic volume was then separated into smaller blocks which could shift to achieve maximum direct sun light entering the building along with selecting specific and beautiful views.