MONADNOCK . photos: © Gaf van Baalen
This transformation of an existing, thatched cottage in a leafy area north of Antwerp intended to expand a single-family home into an elderly care residence.
The entire structure accommodates three generations of a family under one roof. The design of the extension follows the lines of the renovated cottage. In an analogue way, like the pronounced, overhanging roofs. A small gap was left between the buildings, allowing each to function as an independent residence. This distance also allowed for a less strict approach to the original architecture, particularly in terms of materials. For example, the roof is made of wooden shingles, and the windows are large and generous.
The floor plan is straightforward, with a thickened ‘wall’ that houses secondary functions such as circulation, storage, and the fireplace. The triangular shape of this wall also creates a subtle division within the main living spaces.
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