ETEL - Extension and renovation of a house for E. and E.

Central to this renovation is a new extension characterised by a dualism: it serves both as a homage to and a departure from the house's original geometry. This dichotomy is adeptly navigated by embracing a degree of abstraction, allowing the extension to refer to its past while maintaining its distinct identity. Anchored by a horizontal plane, it draws inspiration from the house's initial silhouette. Whilst the extension's volume echoes the original, the choice of material introduces an abstract quality. The addition notably disrupts the existing continuity through a deliberate lateral shift, further accentuating its identity.

Where the upper part conveys a sense of solidity, the base is hyper-transparent. The extensive use of glass and sliding doors creates a seamless connection with the garden. The perceived solidity of the extension is artfully peeled back to unveil its inherent lightness, highlighted by an open wooden ceiling and exposed beams that questions the exterior's implied massiveness.

Inside, the reconfiguration is guided by principles of optimisation and spatial enhancement, striving to craft an interior that balances spaciousness with intimacy. The design establishes clear zones and atmospheres within an open plan, by endowing each space with distinct purpose and ambience.

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.

office address:
lierseweg 108.2200 herentals

business address:
de merodelei 2 b4.2600 berchem

info@ismarchitecten.be
www.ismarchitecten.be

Ondernemingsnummer 0802813669
Gedragscode architecten

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

Kraainem(BE)

2023

Private

Extension and renovation of a house

i.s.m.architecten

Luis Dìaz Dìaz