Villa ABC by Objekt Architecten in Lebbeke, Belgium

Project: Villa ABC Architects: Objekt ArchitectenLocation: Lebbeke, BelgiumArea: 1,743 sq ftYear: 2023Photography by: Ypsilon Business Photography

Villa ABC by Objekt Architecten

In Lebbeke, the house renovation involved demolishing the rear section and replacing it with an expanded glass volume. The central feature is a tear-shaped kitchen island, while the dining area and living room have been swapped to create an unobstructed flow. An office and additional bathroom were added on the upper floor, and the house received energy-efficient upgrades including a heat pump and mechanical ventilation system. The exterior features contrasting aluminum cladding that preserves the original character of the house while giving it a modern look.

For our clients in Lebbeke, we started work on their existing homes. The layout required a review to improve circulation. With two teenagers growing, there was a need for more space and a new, practical bathroom.

The main solution was the demolition of the existing rear volume. A new volume, including a new dormer window, was added. This increased the usable area on the first and second floors. The entire rear facade is made of glass panels for maximum connection with the garden.

The tear-shaped kitchen island was positioned at the center of the kitchen—this is where one can cook and enjoy. The dining table and living area were swapped so the dining room is in direct connection with the kitchen through two hidden doors in the kitchen wall.

In the dining room, the existing balcony window was fitted with a bench where residents can enjoy secluded views of meadows and an old cataceum in the garden. The floor in this room and the living area on the outdoor side were covered with beautiful parquet laid out in a checkerboard pattern. Other rooms on the first floor received rougher tiles, which also continue onto the adjacent front and rear terraces. Additionally, the staircase was rethought to create a more ergonomic stairway in the house.

The updated attic contains a new, more spacious bathroom on the first floor. Thanks to smart window placement, this space has both sufficient privacy and natural lighting. While the number of bedrooms remained unchanged, rearranging the floors allowed for an additional office space and a separate bathroom.

The house also received energy upgrades. Old technologies gave way to new, energy-efficient solutions. For example, a heat pump was chosen in combination with underfloor heating and air conditioning. High-quality aluminum windows were selected for the exterior finish, meeting modern EPB standards. Moreover, a mechanical ventilation system D was chosen where both air supply and exhaust are fully mechanical. The house retained its original character but gained a modern look thanks to the new rear volume. The new exterior finish was done in two colors.

Fixed panels of the new volume are made from anodized aluminum. Opening parts and windows of the existing house were given a contrasting dark blue color reminiscent of the original exterior finish. The facade structure is simplified with an exposed roof framework. Structural cladding, lower full wall sections were replaced by a flower pot on one side and a concrete bench on the other.

The changes made ensure that the house develops in line with residents' needs. They improve quality of life and make the kitchen the heart of the house, which is not only functional but also a place where residents can enjoy beautiful views and each other.

–Objekt Architecten