WELL House: A Modern Sustainable Home Renovation by memo architectuur

Redefining Urban Living with Sustainable Design

The WELL House in Mortsel, Belgium, represents a thoughtful and transformative approach to modern sustainable home renovation. Designed by memo architectuur, led by architect Yasmijn van Winkel, the project reimagines a dilapidated multi-family dwelling into a light-filled, energy-efficient single-family home.

Purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic, the building's charm lay in its historical facade, a southeast-facing urban garden, and views of old beech trees and a nearby church. Although structurally compromised, the home offered a blank slate for a tailored transformation that aligned with the owners' vision.

A Comprehensive Overhaul for Modern Living

The WELL House originally consisted of two outdated apartments. Memo architectuur's renovation merged these spaces into a cohesive home while adding a new top floor to harmonize with the surrounding streetscape. This architectural decision not only expanded the living area but also optimized the home for long-term occupancy.

Although the initial plan aimed to retain key structural elements, the project evolved into a near-total reconstruction. At one point, only the front facade and a few partition walls remained. This bold approach allowed the architects to completely redesign the interior layout, ensuring the home met contemporary standards of comfort, light, and energy efficiency.

Bringing Light into a Narrow Space

One of the key challenges of the renovation was introducing natural light into the narrow 4.75-meter-wide and 16-meter-deep structure. Memo architectuur overcame this by repositioning the vertical circulation to the center of the house, creating a light shaft that illuminated the darkest sections of the home.

Additional skylights and expansive windows at the front and rear of the property further enhanced the influx of natural light, creating a bright, airy atmosphere throughout. These design choices maximized the spatial potential of the row house, making it feel open and connected to the surrounding urban landscape.

Natural Materials for a Sustainable Home

The WELL House renovation placed a strong emphasis on sustainability and the use of natural materials. From the outset, finishes and craftsmen were carefully selected to create a durable, timeless aesthetic. Materials like wood and stone were chosen not only for their beauty but also for their environmental benefits.

Extensive self-construction by the owners helped allocate resources toward both technical and aesthetic improvements. This hands-on involvement allowed for investments in energy-efficient systems, further enhancing the sustainability of the home.

Energy Efficiency and Modern Comfort

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, WELL House incorporates energy-efficient strategies that make it a model for modern sustainable living. The integration of skylights and large windows reduces the reliance on artificial lighting, while high-performance materials and insulation ensure thermal comfort year-round.

These measures align with the project’s broader goal: to create a home that is as functional as it is beautiful, offering a space that supports both the environment and its occupants.

Preserving Historical Charm

While the renovation introduced modern elements, memo architectuur preserved the historical character of the building’s facade. This decision maintained harmony with the surrounding neighborhood while offering a contemporary interior design tailored for modern living.

The result is a home that bridges the past and the present, blending traditional charm with cutting-edge sustainability.

WELL House: A Blueprint for Urban Sustainability

The WELL House demonstrates how thoughtful design and sustainable practices can transform even the most challenging spaces into vibrant, functional homes. By focusing on natural light, energy efficiency, and high-quality materials, memo architectuur has created a space that not only meets the needs of its residents but also sets a benchmark for modern sustainable home renovations.

All Photographs are work of Evenbeeld