Red Flowing into Abstract White House by Atelier Tom Vanhee

Located in the rural town of Oosterzele, Belgium, the Red Flowing into Abstract White House is a bold and thoughtful renovation project by Atelier Tom Vanhee. This architectural intervention reimagines a derelict barn as an integrated extension of the original farmhouse, seamlessly blending the traditional and the contemporary through sustainable design, material reuse, and contextual sensitivity.

An Abstract Dialogue Between Past and Present

At the heart of this renovation is a dynamic interplay between architectural memory and modern reinterpretation. The original dilapidated barn, once disconnected from daily use, is restructured to accommodate new living spaces that flow naturally from the existing home. Clad in redwood, the new volumes weave into the old structure, creating a visual and functional continuity that opens the main house to the surrounding gardens.

The geometry of the new design is abstract and sculptural, yet rooted in the agricultural vernacular of the Flemish landscape. Inspired by utilitarian sheds, the structure features a steel frame and white corrugated steel cladding, harmonized with vertical red timber slats. This quirky yet elegant material palette pays homage to the original farmhouse aesthetic of whitewashed walls and brick detailing, while updating it with durable, low-maintenance finishes.

Open Plans, Adaptive Spaces

The steel framework, galvanized for longevity, supports a flexible living space devoid of visible structural obstructions. This openness enables future reconfigurations, including the potential addition of a guest room or further extensions. The partially cantilevered redwood elements create shaded outdoor areas that connect the inner courtyard to the rear garden, promoting fluid indoor-outdoor living.

Inside, the new spatial organization enhances daylight penetration, views, and sensory experiences. Varying atmospheres are curated—from light-filled garden-facing rooms to shaded verandas and warm, intimate interiors—each responding to the changing light and use throughout the day.

Sustainable Renovation and Circular Thinking

Atelier Tom Vanhee’s approach champions circular design principles. The barn's primary structure is bolted, allowing disassembly and reuse. A secondary wooden structure adds warmth and tactility. Rainwater harvesting supports domestic and garden use, while the rest is managed sustainably on-site. Existing building components such as rafters and kitchen units have been carefully preserved and reincorporated, reducing waste and preserving the site's material history.

Thermal insulation and airtight detailing ensure high energy performance, supported by a demand-controlled ventilation system (C+). Materials were selected based on life cycle analysis (NIBE), underscoring the project’s environmental integrity.

A New Life for Gijzenzele’s Oldest Farmhouse

Beyond its technical and aesthetic achievements, the project breathes new life into what is believed to be the oldest farmhouse in Gijzenzele. Through careful layering of the old and new, the house becomes a contemporary rural home that respects its heritage while embracing the future.