A contemporary house with a distinctive pointed roof and mixed materials, surrounded by greenery.

A modern house with a pointed roof, featuring a combination of white corrugated metal and red brick. The facade includes various window sizes and a green-framed large window. A large green tree is visible next to the house, and a low brick wall with a gated entrance is in the foreground.

A contemporary house featuring a gable roof and a combination of brick and corrugated metal, adjacent to older structures with a green tree nearby.
Exterior view of a modern house with a gabled roof, white corrugated metal siding, and red brick base. Large windows are visible, and the structure is surrounded by grass.
Modern house with a pointed roof and large windows, surrounded by greenery.
Corner of a building with a corrugated white exterior and green accents.
Close-up of a brick wall with an intercom and house number.
Entrance gate with steps leading to a house, surrounded by a brick wall and a hedge.
Close-up of a wooden wall and window corner with a green frame.
Interior view of a living space with a gray sofa, bookshelf, and indoor plants.
Staircase with wooden steps and a black metal frame, a plant in a pot on a shelf, and a wall made of white blocks.
Interior of Soberrijk House featuring a staircase and a bookshelf, with a window revealing plants outside.
Interior view of Soberrijk House showing a gray sofa, large window, and bookshelf with plants.
Bookshelf with books and a white curtain, showcasing a blend of wood and metal materials.
Interior view of a bathroom with a pink sink, chrome faucets, and round mirrors on a green wall.
Shower area with light green walls and chrome shower fixtures.
Interior view of a shower area with light green walls and a square drain on the floor.
Light fixture with a frosted glass bulb on a green wall, with a mirror reflecting the interior.
Site plan of Soberrijk House, illustrating the building footprint and adjacent areas.
A detailed floor plan of a house with labeled areas for various rooms and a garden.
A detailed floor plan of Soberrijk House with labeled areas and dimensions.
Architectural floor plan with labeled rooms and layout details.
Floor plan of Soberrijk House, indicating room placements and dimensions.
Architectural floor plan with designated areas and measurements.
Section drawing of a house with labeled rooms and furniture placements.

Story

A sustainable and compact home in the heart of Ghent

Nestled in the Muide district of Ghent, Soberrijk House emerges as a beacon of thoughtful architecture in a landscape that was once marked by dilapidated workers' houses. This new residence, designed by Marge architecten, replaces a row of demolished structures, transforming an accidental green space into a vibrant living environment.

The design adheres to strict building regulations, allowing for a compact structure that is just six meters wide and ten meters deep at the ground floor. The architects have skillfully maximized this limited footprint, creating a low-budget yet ambitious home that prioritizes energy efficiency without sacrificing spatial quality.

Strategic interventions throughout the house introduce a sense of luxury within its compact confines. The kitchen features a roof that folds upwards along a sloping beam, fostering a connection between the kitchen and the living space above. This design choice not only enhances the spatial experience but also welcomes natural light into the home, particularly during the autumn and spring months.

The house's exterior is characterized by simplicity, with visible wooden beams and concrete finishes that reflect its robust construction. The outer walls, composed of 50 cm thick insulating stones, provide both durability and energy efficiency. Remarkably, the architects have incorporated reclaimed materials into the design, including stones from the demolished buttresses and overstock metal corrugated sheets, which lend a unique character to the façade.

Inside, the home is adorned with eclectic elements, such as hand-painted tiles and a pink sink, showcasing the residents' appreciation for beautiful old things. The garden, an integral part of the design, remains a lush backdrop, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the home.

In essence, Soberrijk House is a testament to the potential of sustainable architecture, demonstrating that with creativity and resourcefulness, a compact home can be both functional and inviting.

  • Compact design with a focus on energy efficiency

  • Innovative roof structure connecting kitchen and living spaces

  • Use of reclaimed materials for a unique aesthetic

  • Visible structural elements that enhance the architectural narrative

  • Integration of a lush garden into the living environment

Feature Detail
Architect Marge architecten
Location Gent, Belgium
Building Type Residential
Year Completed 2023
Size 6m wide, 10m deep
Sustainability Focus Low-budget, high-effort

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Interior Walls: Visible wooden beams and concrete sediments create a textured finish.
  • Exterior Walls: Combination of white corrugated metal and red brick.

Materials

  • Brick — Exterior walls and plinth
  • Corrugated Metal — Exterior facade
  • Wood — Interior paneling and staircase
  • Concrete — Structural elements and flooring
  • Glass — Windows

Construction / Systems

  • Masonry: The house includes solid masonry buttresses and thick insulating stones.

Products

  • Sanitary Appliances — Pink Sink — by Factory (Bathroom)
  • Tiles — Hand-painted Tiles — by Artist (Interior decoration)

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: white, red, green, pink
  • Lighting: Natural light through large windows

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