VNBC House by Bauclub: A Harmonious Blend of Heritage and Contemporary Design

VNBC House is a remarkable transformation of a mid-century family dwelling in Watermael-Boitsfort, Belgium. Designed by the architectural firm Bauclub, this project reinterprets a classic worker’s house from the 1950s, blending modern functionality with the home’s original character.

A Vision for Expansion and Connection

The original structure, part of a residential cluster surrounded by lush greenery, featured three closed facades and a series of small, compartmentalized rooms that lacked fluidity and natural connectivity. The homeowners sought to enlarge the house, enhance the connection with the garden, and introduce more natural light while preserving its original essence.

Bauclub's design solution revolved around expanding the home’s footprint while respecting the integrity of its original layout. The architects extended the structure with a simple, nearly square plan, ensuring that new spaces felt like a seamless continuation of the existing ones. This approach allowed for a logical and readable transition between serving and served spaces, maintaining both clarity and cohesion.

Maximizing Natural Light and Spatial Fluidity

One of the key interventions was opening up the living areas to the surrounding greenery. Large, strategically placed windows now flood the interiors with daylight, creating a dynamic interplay between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The extension introduces a versatile, modular layout that enhances spatial flexibility while retaining an intimate atmosphere.

The architectural strategy was centered on balancing old and new elements. By keeping structural components exposed, the design highlights the modularity of the extension, making it a defining feature of the home’s aesthetic. The readability of spaces—an essential principle in Bauclub’s approach—ensures that each area flows naturally into the next, reinforcing a sense of openness and connectivity.

A Contemporary Take on Materiality

Material selection played a crucial role in bridging the past and the present. The enameled brickwork of the extension pays homage to the original brick facade, subtly distinguishing the new construction while maintaining visual continuity. Similarly, the roof tiles extend the existing textures, creating a dialogue between the traditional and the contemporary.

The first-floor restructuring and the rooftop extension introduced new living spaces tailored for modern family life. These additions enhance the home’s functionality while preserving its original charm. The design strikes a balance between aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency, integrating contemporary sustainability standards without compromising the historical identity of the structure.

Reimagining a Mid-Century Home for the Future

VNBC House stands as an exemplary model of adaptive reuse, showcasing how thoughtful design can breathe new life into existing architecture. Bauclub’s intervention respects the heritage of the original structure while enhancing its livability for contemporary needs. The project’s success lies in its ability to merge past and present, crafting a home that feels both timeless and modern.

Project Information

• Architects: Bauclub
• Location: Watermael-Boitsfort, Belgium
• Project Type: Residential Renovation & Extension
• Total Area: 200 m²
• Year of Completion: 2021
• Photography: Severin Malaud
•  All photographs are works of  Severin Malaud