17
V&P FARM
SnaaskerkeAgricultural Cluster in the Polder Landscape
In the open agricultural landscape of Snaaskerke, an outdated farmhouse is being replaced by a new farm with a residence for the farmer. The existing footprint is being reorganized into a clear and coherent layout. The residence, barn, and stable are being regrouped, but now as three parallel volumes that function as a single ensemble.
The buildings are organized around two walled outdoor spaces. One patio forms a sheltered garden adjacent to the residence, while the other serves as 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 expansive polder landscape.
The architecture is deliberately understated and powerful. The three volumes feature identical gabled roofs and a uniform material palette, making them recognizable as a family. The concrete panels with a wood-grain finish evoke agricultural structures, while the wooden joinery adds a touch of refinement. Protective garden walls and wooden sliding shutters reinforce the sense of security in the open landscape.
Project information
| Project |
Project
Sustainable farm and farm residence |
|---|---|
| Program |
Program Rebuilding a farm following the demolition of the existing buildings |
| Location |
Location
Oostendsebaan 138, 8470 SNAASKERKE |
| Client |
Client
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 |
| Land acquisition |
Land acquisition
590.78 m² |
| Status |
Status
Completed in 2024 |
Site
The project is located in the open polder landscape of Snaaskerke, along the Oostendsebaan. The site, spanning over 4 hectares, lies between vast fields and meadows and is bordered on all sides by canals.
The site is composed of three distinct zones: a long access strip leading from the public road, a central meadow zone, and a cluster of buildings with a courtyard. The landscape is further enhanced by wooded edges, hedges, and an orchard that provide shelter from the prevailing southwest wind.
The openness of the polder landscape remains the guiding principle. The project respects the agricultural character of the area and focuses on enhancing the landscape rather than expanding it.
Site Plan
The house, barn, and stable are clustered on the site of the original structures, but in a more clearly defined layout. The house and barn are positioned parallel to each other, creating a distinct space in between that is designed as a sheltered garden. The stable is placed at a greater distance, creating a functional yard for agricultural activities.
This rearrangement creates two clearly defined outdoor spaces: a private patio adjacent to the house and a work area for the farm. Low garden walls provide protection from the polder wind and anchor the structures within the landscape.
The buildings remain grouped compactly, ensuring that the surrounding landscape remains as open and legible as possible.
Architectural Choices
The three structures share the same design language: a simple, elongated form under a gable roof. The residence and barn have the same ridge height; the barn and stable have the same building depth. This creates a strong ensemble with clear proportions.
The facades are clad in gray concrete panels featuring two wood-imprint patterns: a horizontal base and a vertical upper section. Wooden block frames around the facade openings add refinement and a sense of scale. The sliding shutters on the south facades provide sun protection and reinforce the agricultural character.
