Brussels Dual Residence by Atelier Tom Vanhee

Completed in 2024, Brussels Dual Residence is a refined townhouse renovation and adaptive reuse project that carefully balances historic preservation with contemporary living. Designed by Atelier Tom Vanhee, the 347 m² transformation reconfigures a traditional Brussels townhouse into two independent yet connected units: a private dwelling and a self-contained studio.

Located in the heart of Brussels, this residential refurbishment demonstrates how heritage architecture can be sensitively adapted to meet modern needs: while enhancing energy performance, spatial openness, and connection to outdoor space.

Reinterpreting the Brussels Townhouse Typology

The existing building consists of three main stories, an attic, a basement, and a rear extension with an intermediate level. The ground floor connects directly to a walled urban garden, a characteristic feature of Brussels residential architecture.

From the outset, the design strategy prioritized the preservation of original architectural elements. Interior joinery, ceiling mouldings, and wooden plank floors remain defining features throughout the house. Rather than replacing these historical details, the renovation integrates them into a new spatial narrative, reinforcing the building’s identity while upgrading its functionality.

Dual Living Concept: Independent Yet Connected

A key objective of the project was to divide the townhouse into two autonomous units:

• The main dwelling, occupying the ground floor and upper second and third floors
• The studio, located on the first floor

Both units share a common entrance hall, yet operate independently. A newly inserted staircase provides direct access to the studio, optimizing circulation and ensuring privacy for both occupants. The original access door was repositioned to improve efficiency and spatial clarity, while dedicated bicycle storage was incorporated near the entrance, reflecting contemporary urban living in Brussels.

The existing central staircase remains the primary circulation spine, connecting all levels, including the basement and intermediate floor. This retention preserves the architectural rhythm of the house while supporting its updated layout.

Enhancing Spatial Openness and Daylight

Within the dwelling, the ground floor was reconfigured to create a more fluid and visually connected living space. A wall between the central room and the stair hall was removed, and new openings were introduced toward the garden and TV room at the intermediate level.

These structural interventions result in a continuous, three-dimensional living environment with varied atmospheres and improved daylight penetration. The extended kitchen window, reaching down to ground level, strengthens the visual and physical connection to the garden, transforming the rear façade into a luminous threshold between interior and exterior.

The studio benefits from high ceilings, abundant natural light, and a front-facing balcony. Existing mouldings and wooden floors were preserved, maintaining the character of the original townhouse while allowing flexibility in layout.

Energy-Efficient Renovation and Sustainable Upgrades

Beyond spatial transformation, the project incorporates significant energy-efficiency improvements:

• Insulation of flat roofs and the pitched roof
• High-performance glazing at the rear façade
• Replacement of exterior joinery (except the front door) with improved insulating systems
• Installation of solar panels on the pitched roof

The garden façade features a highly insulated glazed wall with large opening doors, enhancing thermal performance while maximizing daylight and garden views. These upgrades position the project as a model for sustainable townhouse renovation in Belgium.

Material Continuity and Contemporary Interventions

The rear extension is finished in white decorative plaster with grey window frames, while the upper rear façade of the main house adopts grey plaster with white frames. Exposed traces of removed walls are deliberately left visible and finished with white tiles, creating a subtle dialogue between old and new.

This careful material articulation highlights the building’s transformation without erasing its history. The terrace and newly introduced sanitary spaces follow the same tile language, ensuring visual coherence across interventions.

A Contemporary Model for Urban Residential Refurbishment

Brussels Dual Residence exemplifies how historic townhouses can be adapted to contemporary lifestyles through thoughtful architectural strategy. By merging preservation, spatial reorganization, and sustainable upgrades, Atelier Tom Vanhee delivers a flexible dual-living solution tailored to modern urban demands.

The project stands as a compelling example of residential architecture in Brussels: where heritage, functionality, and environmental performance coexist harmoniously within a single, reimagined townhouse.

All the photographs are works of  Filip Dujardin