Egide Meertens Architecten

This half-open house is the last in the ‘Hemelrijk’ row, a cul-de-sac in a woodsy area in the centre of Genk. The main objective of this project is to realise a fully spatial perception that merges into the green of its environment. Large parties of glass, simple forms and adjoining spaces are the keywords that characterise this special house.

All spaces – both ground and top floor – end in the central outside terrace. This terrace lies on the left side of the house and is formed by a cove in the house. This intervention makes the outside space the central point of the project and symbolises nature that is trying to penetrate into a constructed context. The main parties of glass are also directed towards this terrace. Apart from opening up the spaces to a central point, a complete line of sight was provided from the front to the back, straight through the house.

The fact that the concept of the outside space has a major impact on the internal organisation, with regard to both view and shape, is noticeable in the apparent lack of an entrance hall. With the kitchen at the front, the seating area at the back and the dining area as a link, it seems at first sight unclear where the entrance to the home lies. However, this was a conscious decision in order to assign the function of an entrance hall to the central outside area, resulting in the view of a woodsy environment that acts as a ‘door’ to the entrance of the home.

The play of light and space, inside and outside, and privacy and openness make this house, which has been finished with simple and honest materials, a remarkable and interesting spatial experience, with nature as the scenery, stage and protagonist.