living in the forest, Aalter

The site was previously characterized by an archetypal chalet serving as a holiday home in the woods of Aalter. To preserve this holiday atmosphere, it was chosen to maintain the existing chalet volume and expand it in a rhythmic pattern of roofs, once again executed in wooden cladding. Parallel to the street, a golden facade is created perpendicular to the residential volume, acting as a reception area for residents and guests. These same warm golden accents are repeated in the exterior joinery and the interior, providing a cozy natural touch within the green surroundings.

The living areas, a succession of sitting area, dining room, and kitchen, create a 'belvedere' on the surrounding fauna and flora. The bedrooms are located at the rear, facing the more intimate garden zones, with the bathroom and sauna room in between, both of which open up maximally to the garden.

year: 2016-2019

client: private

program: family home

location: Aalter

team: design office Mouton

photography: Giulia Frigerio, Liesbeth Goetschalckx

awards: Dezeen Awards, longlisted; 2021

publications: Buitengewoon Belgisch Bouwen, 2021