Villa Bonh by CAS Architecten in Bonheiden, Belgium

Project: Villa Bonh
Architects: CAS Architecten
Location: Bonheiden, Belgium
Area: 4,068 sq ft
Photography: Tim Van de Velde

Villa Bonh by CAS Architecten

CAS Architecten completed the design of Villa Bonh in Bonheiden, Belgium. This 4,000 square foot home features a minimalist modern exterior that emphasizes natural light and connection to nature. This means numerous glazed surfaces, allowing sunlight to easily illuminate open interiors and providing multiple access points to the backyard.

Summer is never far away here.

Architecture does not always have to be overly complex. A good project respecting layout logic and orientation can even be very simple. This light villa proves that honest architecture without unnecessary elements can lead to wonderful projects.

The client held a certain architectural vision, and through various references came to CAS. The plot they purchased was large and specific. Indeed, in front is a busy road, but behind it lies tranquility. There the plot extends about 100 meters in length, and at the end you can see sheep grazing on a meadow. The plot was completely overgrown, including some beautiful mature trees that gave CAS the necessary space. The location had more advantages and they were perfectly used by Peter-Jan Lankens in their project.

"Location determines a lot, if not everything. It was clear here. Thanks to its specific northern orientation, open landscape behind and the client's request to enjoy it to the fullest, a fully glazed rear facade was an opportunity we could not ignore. We chose a U-shaped layout with an open terrace between the living area and bedroom. A practical corridor connects both functions, which despite the garden in the backyard almost do not intersect. Several walls are strategically positioned so that from the living area you cannot see the bedroom. In fact, owners mainly live around the backyard garden. This leads to beautiful views everywhere – on the first floor and upstairs where children sleep."

Although the front faces a rather busy connecting road and the plot has a turn at that point, CAS had no option but to choose a fully open facade. On the contrary, near the kitchen there is a cozy morning terrace offering a good view of the other side of the street. CAS wanted to make the upper part as light as possible, so that load distribution would be optimal.

The sloping plot could have been an external factor helping define the design, but CAS stuck to their ideal U-shaped plan which was slightly shifted upwards.

Lightness, as if it were glass volumes, is also reflected in the materials. The first floor foundation is emphasized with flat stucco with a concrete effect. The smaller volume above was made from wood furniture and finishings. However, the difference in materials between the two volumes does not seem too contrasting. After all, the stucco painted in light gray also has a warm tone due to ochre underlayment and the use of special leveling technique. Thus, certain gradations appear, making everything less flat and more natural. Combined with large windows, this creates a beautiful harmonious blend.

To create a greater sense of the interior garden, CAS decided to relocate the entrance: not straight but along a winding line. Several terraces deep in the backyard add atmosphere, and at night they offer a spectacular view of the lit house.

"This is architecture without complexes, no need to justify. Except for subtle details and a good compositional solution, it simply follows layout logic and orientation. For me this is an example of honest architecture and a project where our passion for lightness, space, views… in a modern style – is beautifully expressed."

–CAS Architecten