Transforming a Humble Abode into a Cozy Haven

AG Vespa's A Simple House: Innovative Design for Starter Homes with Future Growth in Mind"

AG Vespa, the city's development agency in Belgium, has set out to create a new standard for starter homes with their innovative design, A Simple House. The project aimed to fulfil the principal demand for affordable and rigid housing while leaving room for growth and rising budgets in the future.

The design team took a unique approach to the project, creating a set of complementary add-ons that would provide different spatial qualities and accessory functionality. These "toppings" were designed to be dispensed but essential, much like the chocolate sprinkles on frozen yoghurt.

Constructed with cross-laminated timber, the interior of the house features a distinct quality, with the material left visible. The ground plan for each floor is rational and consistent, with a central staircase and two adjacent spaces, resulting in a series of rooms that can adapt to any phase of life.

The front facade of A Simple House features a high plinth in blue tiling, giving it an idiosyncratic appearance while still adhering to the horizontal articulations of its neighbouring houses. This clear-cut image was replicated at the rear of the house, creating two identical facades that emphasize symmetry in the plan and the apparent simplicity of the house.

AG Vespa's A Simple House offers a refreshing and innovative solution for starter homes, setting a new standard for affordable housing with a focus on adaptability and growth.

Architects: FELT

Area: 200 m²

Year: 2021

Photographs: Stijn Bollaert

Manufacturers: AGROB BUCHTAL, EQUITONE, Sto, Forbo, LTS Laminated Timber Solutions, ROCKWOOL, VEKALUX, VINK

Lead Architect: Jasper Stevens

Structural Engineering: Robuust

Acoustics Consultants: Daidalos Peutz