17
FARM V&P
SnaaskerkeAgricultural cluster in the polder landscape
In the open agricultural landscape of Snaaskerke, an outdated farmstead is being replaced by a new farm with an operating house. The existing footprint will be rearranged into a clear and coherent layout. House, barn and stable are again clustered, but now as three parallel volumes functioning as one ensemble.
The buildings are organized around two walled outdoor spaces. One patio forms a sheltered garden near the house, the other a functional yard for agricultural activities.
This spatial arrangement creates a clear separation between living and working, while the whole remains compact and legible within the vast polder landscape.
The architecture is deliberately sober and powerful. The three volumes will have identical gabled roofs and uniform materialization, making them recognizable as a family. Wood-printed concrete panels reference agricultural structures, while wooden joinery adds sophistication. Protective garden walls and wooden sliding shutters enhance the sense of security in the open landscape.
Project information
| Project |
Project
Sustainable farm and operating residence |
|---|---|
| Program |
Program Rebuilding a farm after the demolition of the current buildings |
| Location |
Location
Oostendsebaan 138 8470 SNAASKERKE |
| Builder |
Builder
private client |
| LINK LAB MEMBERS |
LINK LAB MEMBERS
US
|
| IN COLLABORATION WITH |
IN COLLABORATION WITH
Koge, Abicon & MVE |
| Site area |
Site area
44.147 m² |
| Ground intake |
Ground intake
590,78 m² |
| Status |
Status
delivered 2024 |
Site
The project is located in the open polder landscape of Snaaskerke, along the Oostendsebaan. The site of over 4 hectares is situated between vast fields and meadows and is bordered all around by canals.
The site is composed of three legible zones: a long access strip from the public road, a central meadow zone and a cluster of buildings with yard. The landscape is further enhanced by wood edges, hedges and an orchard that provide shelter from the dominant southwest wind.
The openness of the polder area remains the starting point. The project respects the agricultural character and focuses on landscape reinforcement rather than expansion.
Layout
The house, barn and stable will be clustered in the position of the original buildings, but in a clearer configuration. House and barn will be planted in parallel, creating a clear gap between them that will be arranged as a sheltered garden. The barn is placed at a greater distance, creating a functional yard for agricultural activities.
This rearrangement creates two clearly defined outdoor spaces: a private patio near the house and a work zone in front of the farm. Low garden walls protect against the polder wind and anchor the volumes in the landscape.
The buildings remain compactly grouped so that the surrounding landscape remains maximally open and legible.
Architectural choices
The three volumes share the same formal language: a simple elongated volume under a gable roof. House and barn are given the same ridge height; barn and stable the same building depth. This creates a strong ensemble with clear proportions.
The facades are executed in gray concrete panels with two woodblock patterns: a horizontal plinth and a vertical superstructure. Wood block frames around the facade openings provide refinement and scale. The sliding shutters on the south facades provide shading and enhance the agricultural character.
