Hofbode II Semi-Detached House — Timeless Renovation and Sun-Responsive Extension in Belgium

The Hofbode II Semi-Detached House by Marge architecten reimagines a historic Belgian villa through a thoughtful renovation and contemporary extension that honors the rhythm of light, landscape, and time. Originally known as Villa Les Roses, the residence retains its romantic presence while evolving into a sustainable, sun-oriented family home—where architecture quietly listens to nature.

Set within lush greenery in Nazareth-De Pinte, the project carefully preserves the existing façade while introducing a sculpted addition, designed not as an imposing afterthought but as a harmonious extension rooted in environmental logic and spatial sensitivity.

A Respectful Transformation of Historic Character

Rather than dramatically altering the original structure, the architects embraced a strategy of refined continuity.

• The villa’s traditional volume remains intact
• A former balcony makes way for a new room, seamlessly integrated
• Materials and detailing honor the original architectural charm

This restrained approach allows the home to maintain its historic soul, proving that renovation can enhance without overwhelming.

A Sun-Driven Extension in Dialogue With the Garden

The new addition sits alongside the existing home—not hidden behind it—forming a parallel volume that interacts with light throughout the day. Its distinctive sloped green roof rises toward the east and descends toward the west, a deliberate response to sunlight patterns:

• Morning sun welcomed
• Harsh afternoon sun shielded
• Green roof connecting the architecture to the landscape
• Geometric gutter detail subtly integrated into the roofline

From the street, the extension appears modest, while inside it opens generously toward the garden, fostering continuity between indoor and outdoor living.

Material Warmth and Thoughtful Craftsmanship

Natural textures define the tactile identity of the home:

• Timber and green cladding soften the new volume
• Brick detailing grounds the extension visually and structurally
• A monumental hearth anchors the outdoor canopy, turning fire into a poetic gathering element

Soft transitions, warm materials, and seamless joinery create an atmosphere of calm sophistication and enduring comfort.

Light-Crafted Interiors: Fluid Yet Defined

Inside, the architects gently reworked the home’s traditional room-based plan, enhancing household flow while preserving the intimate character of individual spaces.

A mirrored pair of double-height bay windows—front and back—frames greenery and sky, bringing seasonal light deep into the home.

Rooms feel like a string of spatial moments, each with its own identity but connected in sequence—like a rosary of domestic experiences, aligned with the sun and landscape.

Sustainability Rooted in Passive Design

Instead of relying solely on technical systems, sustainability emerges through passive environmental intelligence:

• Solar-oriented roof geometry
• Natural ventilation strategies
• Insulating green roof
• Energy-conscious envelope upgrades

The home creates comfort by working with nature rather than against it—a meaningful lesson in climate-responsive living.

Hofbode II is not a dramatic reinvention, but a precise and poetic transformation—an architectural gesture that respects history, prioritizes natural light, and strengthens the bond between home and garden.

This project demonstrates how careful renovation, sun-aware design, and material harmony can breathe new life into traditional suburban architecture, offering a warm, sustainable, and serene family retreat for the modern era.

All photographs are works of Marnick Beerts