House VVDB / dmvA

Architects: dmvA
Location : Mechelen, Belgium
Principal: Mr. and Mrs. Verschaeren – Van den Berghe
Team: David Driesen, Tom Verschueren, Valerie Lonnoy
Contractor: Leys (steel) – Colmat (interior)
Constructional engineer: ASB
Built area: 250 m2
Completion: 2009
Photography: Frederik Vercruysse

Concept: tribute to the architect

In the eighties architect Jan Van Den Berghe built his own house on a marvellous spot, close to the channel Mechelen-Brussels.

Roof-type, symmetrical ground plan, wooden structure, honest materials, the use of cement stone and many-coloured aluminium joinery, were the main characteristics of this period building periode in Flanders.

The post-modern pyramid house was a statement for the seventies/eighties. Architect Van den Berghe requested dmvA to refurbish his own house for his daughter.

No spectacular alterations, but subtle interventions, round perforations through the floors, a new central spiral stair, ‘whitening’ of the floors. Altogether an architectural attitude based on respect!