Modern House Conversion Design: Valine House by LDSRa + Olivier Goethals

The Valine House Conversion, a collaborative project by LDSRa and Olivier Goethals, is a striking example of modern house conversion design. Located in Gent, Belgium, this project transforms a narrow, tall row house into a spacious, light-filled home that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living.

The Concept: Radical Yet Empathetic Design

Valine House is a personal project that balances bold architectural interventions with a deep empathy for the needs of its inhabitants. The design reimagines the existing structure, creating a home that feels both generous and indulgent. By removing floors and rethinking the spatial organization, the architects have added an extra floor and multiple rooms, maximizing the potential of the compact site.

Spatial Organization: A Loop of Living Spaces

The living spaces are organized around the transition between inside and outside, both in depth and height. The existing staircase, spiral staircase, void, and bridge create a loop that connects the kitchen on the ground floor to the living space and caravan on the second floor. This innovative layout enhances the flow between rooms and floors, making the house feel larger and more dynamic.

Key Features: Floating Caravan and Roof Garden

One of the most distinctive features of the Valine House is the floating caravan above the garden. This unique addition houses a storage room, an additional bathroom, and a toilet. On the second floor, offices are designed with access to a roof garden and a bay window, creating a seamless connection to the outdoors. The third and fourth floors are dedicated to bedrooms and bathrooms, offering private and tranquil retreats.

Materiality and Detailing: Bold and Rich

The house is characterized by its bold design and rich detailing. The joinery of the rear facade, awnings, and folding doors emphasize the relationship between inside and outside. The use of materials such as wood, concrete, and glass adds warmth and texture to the interiors, while the collection of rainwater in a pond enhances the project’s sustainability.

Light and Movement: Shifting with the Sun

The design takes full advantage of natural light, with folding doors that blur the boundary between inside and outside. During the day, the shifting sunlight transforms the spaces, creating a dynamic and ever-changing environment. This interplay of light and movement invites the inhabitants to engage with the house in new and unexpected ways.

A Generous and Indulgent Home

The Valine House Conversion is a testament to the power of modern house conversion design. By rethinking the existing structure and embracing bold architectural interventions, LDSRa and Olivier Goethals have created a home that is both functional and beautiful. The result is a space that feels generous, indulgent, and deeply connected to its surroundings.

All Photographs are works of Michiel Decleene