Belgian artist house characterised by transparencies and terraces

Fluid and variable environments: Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects designed a geometrical house with large windows and a storage room for artwork. 

Geometries and transparencies characterise the house designed for a Belgian artist. Residence WKG, located on a plot surrounded by nature in Bruge, Belgium, features an art studio and large spaces. The dwelling designed by Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects is characterised by the superimposition of two concrete blocks – of which the cantilevered upper one is designed to give shape to a patio near the swimming pool. 

Residence WKG
Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG. Photo Tim Van de Velde

The solid, rough exterior walls are balanced by the transparency of the glass chosen for north and south sides and by the introduction of an airy terrace. The house is distributed over three floors: at the entrance, a lift transports even the bulkiest works of art from the art storage room on the floor below, where there is also a wellness area accessible from the outside by hidden stairs. The spaces of the living area, visually interconnected, are partition-free and fluid, to transform and be interpreted always differently. 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG. Photo Tim Van de Velde

The ground floor is an open space interrupted only by the volumes housing bathroom, stairs, fireplace, wardrobe and pantry. Important for this area of the house – where the painter’s studio is located – is the entry of light. 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG. Photo Tim Van de Velde

This is why natural lighting plays a key role, facilitated by the large windows covering the facades and from which some of the artist’s works can be admired. The first floor houses the sleeping area: the south side, totally transparent, offers rooms and a bathroom with a view of the garden and the green landscape. 

  • Residence WKG
  • Bruges, Belgium
  • Private residence
  • Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects
  • 2020
Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Site plan. 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Ground floor plan. 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

First floor plan. 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Underground floor plan. 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Elevations. 

Govaert&Vanhoutte Architects, Residence WKG Photo © Tim Van de Velde 

Section A.