Hinge Farmhouse by Objekt Architecten

Transformation of a Historic Belgian Farmhouse

Nestled in the lush green landscapes of Pajot, Belgium, the Hinge Farmhouse by Objekt Architecten reimagines rural living through the sensitive restoration and expansion of an existing farmhouse. The project brings together tradition and modernity, uniting historic structures with contemporary architectural interventions to create a cohesive and innovative family residence.

Originally composed of a farmhouse, workshop, and adjoining outbuildings arranged around a central courtyard, the project required a bold architectural solution to connect the fragmented volumes. Objekt Architecten responded with a striking tower-shaped volume—the "hinge"—that acts as a central circulation space and visual anchor, seamlessly linking old and new.

The Hinge as a Vertical Connector

The new tower functions as the heart of the home, housing a dramatic stairwell and a rooftop office with panoramic 360° views over fields, woods, and the private courtyard. Designed in contrasting red brick, the tower stands out against the whitewashed façades of the original buildings, embodying both continuity and contrast.

Inside, the red brick recurs as an interior finish, giving the impression that the tower slices through the existing structures. This bold material expression resonates with the Japanese philosophy of Kintsugi, where imperfections and repairs are celebrated rather than hidden. In this spirit, the building’s "scars" are accentuated in the same red brick, highlighting the narrative of transformation.

Reorganized Spaces and Private Courtyards

The reconfiguration of circulation also transformed the experience of arrival. The main entrance, once facing the courtyard, was relocated to the rear of the hinge, turning the courtyard into a private oasis revealed only after entering the home.

• On the ground floor, the street-facing office ensures privacy for the main living areas while offering accessibility for visitors.
• On the first floor, the tower divides the home into distinct zones: Parents’ wing: a spacious bedroom, bathroom, and rooftop patio with an outdoor shower. Children’s wing: compact sleeping units, open play and work areas, and a dedicated bathroom.
• Parents’ wing: a spacious bedroom, bathroom, and rooftop patio with an outdoor shower.
• Children’s wing: compact sleeping units, open play and work areas, and a dedicated bathroom.

Throughout, carefully positioned patios and openings frame views of the surrounding countryside while ensuring privacy.

Blending Architecture and Landscape

Objekt Architecten integrated outdoor living into the design with a swimming pool and outdoor kitchen situated against the preserved stable walls at the rear of the property. This southern-oriented retreat connects directly to the double-height patio adjoining the living spaces and children’s rooms, creating fluid transitions between indoors and outdoors.

Future plans for the courtyard include re-soiling, drawing the greenery of the surrounding landscape right up to the façades, reinforcing the farmhouse’s dialogue with nature.

A Contemporary Rural Home

The Hinge Farmhouse embodies the delicate balance between preservation and innovation. By integrating historic elements with bold new interventions, Objekt Architecten created a residence that respects its rural character while offering modern functionality. The result is a unique contemporary farmhouse where privacy, panoramic views, and landscape integration define an exceptional living experience.

All Photographs are works of Ypsilon Business Photography, Objekt Architecten