SILI - a transformation of a former café into a dwelling

As in many renovation projects, the existing building becomes an active partner in the design process. Alongside the wishes of the clients, the project engages with the logic, character and potential of the building itself, allowing it to inform the transformation.

In this case, the intervention responds to the specific conditions of the site. As the building is positioned along the edge of the plot, this condition opened up the possibility to consider the side façade as the main façade, rather than the traditional front elevation. To support this shift, the existing façade is extended according to its original rhythm and proportions. This extension continues as a freestanding element, concealing a secluded space behind it. This interstitial space mediates between house and garden and also redefines the way the dwelling is entered, with arrival taking place through this transitional zone rather than through the rarely used front door.

In the materialisation of the façade, a unifying material was sought that would not compete with the existing rhythm, while still offering depth and subtlety. The execution in wired glass reinforces the existing order and introduces depth, reflection and a calibrated, continuously shifting filtering of light.

The new programme engages with the existing structure, treating it as a spatial framework rather than a neutral envelope. The ground floor forms a continuous living space, open to the garden. Private spaces are located on the upper floor, including the main bedroom with en-suite bathroom, two additional bedrooms and a shared bathroom.

i.s.m.architecten

an architecture and interior architecture studio

ABOUT

i.s.m.architecten
(in samenwerking met architecten)

i.s.m.architecten (short for "in samenwerking met architecten," which translates to "in collaboration with architects") is a Belgian architecture and interior architecture office with a strong focus on spatial design and the design process. Since its inception in 2010, they have built up expertise through various projects, ranging from furniture pieces over opera scenographies to interior and exterior architecture

Each project starts with an open perspective. The creation process and its accompanying production lead to a focus which is then tweaked and refined. In this way, each undertaking becomes a means to evolve the design language, create new forms, or refine existing ones, pushing the practice towards new horizons leaning on a solid collaborative relationship with its clients.

current office composition:

Hannah Corbett
Marie Goossens
Donald Huycke
Pieter-Jan Lerno
Koen Pauwels
Wim Van der Vurst

past collaborators:

Katrien Daeyaert
Yasemina Fotopoulos
Io Hendrickx
Eva Neefs
Willem Neyens
Burak Ozdemir
Hannelore Thomas
Cassandra Van Peer

©

Brussels, Belgium

Location

completion

client

program

architecture

interior architecture

photographs

Kalmthout (BE)

2025

Private

renovation of a semi-detached house

i.s.m.architecten

Luis Dìaz Dìaz