Garden No. 2 House in Limburg: Marble-Clad Garden Pavilion and Pool by Camarim Arquitectos

A Contemporary Garden Retreat in Genk, Belgium

Garden No. 2 in Limburg reimagines a private Belgian garden as a refined architectural retreat, designed by Camarim Arquitectos. Located in Genk, this 327 m² residential garden extension transforms a modest existing cabin into a sculptural marble pavilion surrounded by lush greenery. The project creates a serene outdoor living environment anchored by a new swimming pool and expansive terrace, framing nature as part of the architectural experience.

This project continues the studio’s sensitivity to sustainable craftsmanship, material authenticity, and timeless residential design, echoing a refined European garden culture with contemporary minimalism.

Preserving Character While Enhancing Experience

The clients envisioned a place for summer leisure—a modern garden hideaway paired with a pool. Rather than replacing the existing garden cabin, Camarim Arquitectos retained its rectangular footprint and open-gable roof, preserving the memory of the previous structure while elevating its spatial and material quality.

A mature rhododendron, standing close to the cabin, becomes a natural protagonist in the composition. The elongated pool aligns with a generous terrace, centering views toward the pavilion and garden, creating a calm visual axis across the outdoor landscape.

Monumental Materiality Inspired by Ancient Baths

Drawing inspiration from classical Roman and Ottoman bathhouses, the architects envisioned the cabin, pool, and terrace as a continuous marble environment. This bold decision creates an impression of carved stone architecture set within a forested garden.

“We decided from the outset that the pool should be clad in stone; or rather, that the pool, terrace and cabin, inside and out, should be marble,” note the architects.

Portuguese marble defines the sanctuary-like atmosphere:

• Grey marble lines the interior of the pool, producing blue-green reflections
• White marble covers the terrace, outdoor walls, and interior finishes, refracting natural light and creating sculptural clarity

The stonework, quarried and crafted in Portugal, was installed with precision despite early concerns about adapting construction techniques to Belgium’s climate. Collaboration with the builder of Garden No. 1 – Delgada ensured a seamless execution.

A Quiet Dialogue Between Architecture and Landscape

Set against a deep green garden backdrop, the marble pavilion appears sharp yet unobtrusive, allowing the surrounding planting and mature trees to dominate the sensory experience. The water surface serves as a reflective element, introducing movement and softened light.

All photographs are works of Tim Van de Velde