Belgian architectural practice Felt has completed a significant refurbishment of a mid-century residence in Ghent, Belgium. This project, known as 'Dani\u00ebl,' involved thoughtfully reconfiguring the 315-square-meter bungalow to better accommodate the dynamics of modern family life, all while meticulously preserving the distinctive rectilinear brickwork and overall aesthetic that define its mid-century heritage. The transformation is highlighted by the addition of a striking central 'compact tower,' which now houses a new entrance and a circulation core, notably clad in vibrant blue ceramic tiles. This innovative design solution addresses previous spatial inefficiencies, enhancing both functionality and visual appeal across the property. The intervention showcases Felt's ability to blend historical respect with contemporary architectural demands, making the home a seamless fusion of past and present.
Revitalizing Mid-Century Aesthetics and Functionality
The architectural firm Felt embarked on a transformative project in Ghent, Belgium, reimagining a 315-square-meter mid-century bungalow. Named 'Dani\u00ebl,' this renovation was conceived to upgrade the home for contemporary family life, carefully integrating modern conveniences without compromising the distinct rectilinear, white-painted brick structure that characterized its original mid-century charm. A pivotal aspect of this redesign involved addressing an previously awkward circulation hub at the property's core. By introducing a "compact tower" adorned with blue ceramic tiles, Felt successfully created a more fluid and inviting entry sequence and staircase, significantly improving the home's spatial dynamics and visual connectivity. This strategic addition not only enhanced the internal flow but also paid homage to the building's historical integrity, blending new elements seamlessly with existing features.
Felt's renovation of the 'Dani\u00ebl' bungalow centered on enhancing its livability while maintaining its inherent mid-century appeal. The studio's primary focus was the central "circulation knot" of the home's T-shaped plan, a previously constrained area where the single-story living space intersected with a split-level bedroom wing. To resolve this, a distinctive "compact tower" was meticulously crafted at the heart of the residence. This tower, enveloped in brilliant blue ceramic tiles, not only introduces an ochre-colored staircase and strategically placed high-level windows, but it also serves as a vertical anchor that draws natural light deep into the interior, illuminating what was once a rather obscure transition point. This architectural intervention transforms the central space into a clear, prominent node, enhancing the home's internal presence and creating a more welcoming approach from the street.
Innovative Spatial Reconfiguration and Material Harmony
The lower section of the Dani\u00ebl residence leverages its advantageous placement between two distinct garden areas. Expansive glass doors, framed by elegant rust-colored aluminum, provide direct access to a pair of patios, seamlessly connecting the interior with the outdoors. This thoughtful design integrates a large, open-plan area that comfortably accommodates living, dining, and kitchen functions, fostering an environment of continuous flow and natural light. Inside, a subtly toned cement floor extends this sense of openness, linking the indoor spaces with the adjacent patios. This material choice not only enhances the bright, airy feel of the relatively low-slung volume but is also complemented by cedar plank ceilings, which introduce a warm, natural texture, further blurring the lines between the interior and exterior environments and creating a harmonious living experience.
Within the adjacent split-level section of the Dani\u00ebl home, the lower floor is strategically dedicated to storage and utility areas, featuring a direct street-level entrance. This access point was optimized by repurposing a segment of the former driveway, which was unpaved and subsequently fitted with practical bicycle storage solutions. Moving to the upper level, the bedrooms showcase a serene and tactile design, characterized by timber-lined walls and tranquil green linoleum floors, evoking a calm atmosphere. The material selections throughout the interior reflect a contemporary interpretation of classic mid-century design principles. Externally, the original timber windows were replaced with rust-colored aluminum frames, echoing the existing material palette while providing enhanced modern performance and durability, ensuring a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing renovation.