Omloop Farmhouse: A Rammed Earth House Renovation by hé! architectuur in Belgium

Reimagining the Flemish Fermette with Sustainability and Soul

The Omloop Farmhouse in Roosdaal, Belgium, is not just a renovation—it is a reawakening of an ordinary Flemish "fermette" into a sustainable, meaningful, and tactile family home. Designed by hé! architectuur, the project transforms a standard 1990s turnkey farmhouse into a long-term residence filled with warmth, ecological thinking, and a deep reconnection to nature. At the heart of the project lies a striking rammed earth wall, a symbol of permanence and environmental mindfulness.

Originally purchased by Marc and Ann in the 1990s, the house served as the childhood home for their two daughters. Both parents, active in the social sector, desired a renovation that was deeply human—one that respected their emotional connection to place and prepared the home for a sustainable future in harmony with the surrounding Pajottenland hills.

From Standard to Soulful: A Critical Rethink of Suburban Typologies

The architects at hé! architectuur began by questioning the architectural merit and energy inefficiencies of the typical Flemish suburban home. Often dismissed as generic and outdated, these homes rarely meet modern sustainability standards. But rather than discard its identity, the design team chose to interrogate and reframe it.

The existing layout was disjointed, inward-facing, and disconnected from the beautiful natural terrain. Hé! responded by cutting open the structure, transforming its organization to prioritize spatial fluidity, environmental responsiveness, and material authenticity.

Rammed Earth as a Living Thermal Heart

A pivotal move was the creation of a winter garden, replacing the daughters’ former bedrooms. This space is enclosed by a thick rammed earth wall crafted by specialist contractors Leemniscaat. Not merely aesthetic, the wall acts as a thermal buffer, absorbing solar heat during cold months and radiating it into the home, while tempering heat gain during summer.

This thermal mass feature allows the home to passively regulate temperature, reducing dependency on mechanical systems. The earthy texture and tone also imbue the interior with a grounded, organic presence, echoing the family’s wish to reconnect with the land.

A Reimagined Interior for Lifelong Living

The spatial reorganization brings clarity and intimacy. The former hallway and office were replaced by a light-filled living space that flows into the winter garden. The once-formal entrance is now a seating area warmed by an earthen stove, which doubles as the home’s new heating system—an ecological substitute for the outdated oil boiler.

White-painted walls gave way to red clay plaster finishes, adding depth, warmth, and a breathable surface texture that complements the earthen wall. The former garage was redefined as the primary entrance, improving circulation and functionality.

On the ground floor, a bedroom and compact bathroom were introduced to ensure the house is suitable for aging in place. These thoughtful changes not only improve energy use but also future-proof the home for decades to come.

Community-Built and Emotionally Rooted

The renovation process was personal and collective. Friends and family contributed labor and energy, embodying a collaborative spirit. This human scale—one that emphasizes community, sustainability, and emotional continuity—is the true success of the rammed earth house renovation.

Omloop Farmhouse is not just a showcase of ecological renovation but a testament to what architecture can become when it listens to people, respects materials, and honors place.

All Photographs are works of Tim Van De Velde