Djef Anten House by BOT architektuurcollectief – Sustainable Renovation Meets Contemporary Belgian Living
Sustainable renovation of a 1950s Hasselt row house, featuring timber structure, recycled bricks, central patio, and adaptable future-ready living design.
Located in the heart of Hasselt, Belgium, the Djef Anten House by BOT architektuurcollectief transforms a modest 1950s row house into a modern, sustainable, and light-filled residence. This 175 m² project redefines urban living through a combination of adaptive reuse, energy-conscious design, and a deep connection to outdoor spaces.
A New Chapter for a 1950s Row House
Originally flanked by potteries, the existing house stood in need of renewal. The old potteries were carefully demolished, making way for a thoughtfully designed extension that opens the home to its deep backyard. The main volume was entirely stripped back, allowing natural light and garden views to flood the interiors—creating a renewed relationship between the built form and nature.
Design Concept – Between Patio and Covered Terrace
The new addition is strategically placed between a covered terrace and an intimate patio. This spatial arrangement preserves the traditional enfilade of connected rooms, while the patio acts as the green heart of the home—bringing light, air, and vegetation into the interior.
The architects employed a prefabricated plywood timber structure (Kerto), leaving it fully exposed to highlight its craftsmanship. This structure doubles as the curtain wall framework, merging form and function.
Structural Strategy & Material Reuse
The load-bearing beams are oriented to follow the shortest span, resulting in three braced structural compartments. The covered terrace, intentionally separated from the wooden extension both thermally and structurally, was built with brick and concrete.
A defining feature is the reuse of 9,000 bricks salvaged from the demolished potteries—painstakingly cleaned by the client themselves. This commitment to material recycling not only preserved history but also reduced environmental impact.
Concrete Canopy – Multi-functional Design
The terrace canopy is constructed from exposed concrete using recovered plank formwork. Designed with efficiency in mind, the canopy serves simultaneously as:
- Structural support
- Exterior finish
- Solar shading
- Water barrier
Rainwater is collected in an above-ground cistern, with overflow directed to a wadi in the garden, aiding natural water infiltration.
Prepared for Future Living
Flexibility was key to the project’s longevity. The house is designed to adapt to different life stages—it can easily be converted into a care home or a kangaroo home (multi-generational living arrangement). This adaptability ensures the building remains functional and relevant for decades to come.
Sustainability Highlights
- Material recycling: Bricks salvaged and reused
- Prefabricated timber: Reduced waste and faster assembly
- Natural ventilation: Through central patio
- Rainwater harvesting: Integrated garden-friendly water management
- Passive shading: Concrete canopy design for thermal comfort
Project Details
- Architects: BOT architektuurcollectief
- Lead Architect: Joris De Belie
- Location: Hasselt, Belgium
- Area: 175 m²
- Year: 2021
- Structural Engineer: Dubimax
- Photography: Jan Willem Meugens
- Manufacturers: Reynaers Aluminium, Beerse steen, Gebroeders Caelen, Metsawood
All photographs are works of
Jan Willem Meugens
