Butterfly Townhouse

A transformative renovation and extension of a Brussels townhouse

The Butterfly Townhouse in Brussels, masterfully renovated by Atelier Tom Vanhee, is a testament to the power of thoughtful architectural intervention. The project involved the renovation and extension of a traditional townhouse, addressing structural inefficiencies and enhancing the connection to the outdoor environment. The existing rear extensions were structurally unsound, obstructing daylight and the relationship with the garden. By demolishing these dilapidated structures, the architects introduced a new diverging extension at ground level, opening the space to light and nature.

The new rear façade, a fully glazed wooden window assembly, features French doors and fixed windows, allowing for seamless indoor-outdoor transitions. The sloping roof design not only enhances spatial quality but also accommodates a rooflight that channels daylight deep into the home. The garden, half of which was depaved and planted, becomes a visual extension of the living area, further blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior.

Environmental considerations were paramount, with visible slanted wooden beams used for the roof structure, providing warmth and storing CO₂. The design integrates the sloping site, with the street level at the front lower than the garden, creating a dynamic interplay of levels. The terrazzo-tiled terrace floor extends into the living space, serving as seating and storage, while elements like a hammock and climbing plants enhance the garden's role in daily living.

Inside, the kitchen is strategically located to maintain continuity from front to back, creating a sequence of living zones with diverse light conditions and spatial qualities. The rear façade's new and enlarged windows, insulated and finished with slate tiles, add a touch of traditional elegance with subtle variations in slate color. This renovation not only increases living space and daylight but also revitalizes a previously underused outdoor area, with a focus on material reuse and sustainability.

Design Highlights

• Diverging extension with fully glazed wooden window assembly

• Sloping roof with rooflight for enhanced daylight penetration

• Terrazzo-tiled terrace floor integrated into the living space

• Environmental focus with renewable materials and CO₂ storage

• Garden transformation with depaving and planting

Key Facts