21
VILLA NIGHTINGALE
Ledegemcompact footprint in the Steenbeek forest
In a green residential allotment in Wevelgem, a new single-family house is designed within a strongly wooded context. The plot is located in a zone with valuable mature trees and a pronounced height difference of about three meters.
The design starts from a compact, clear volume that is planted centrally on the plot. This positioning creates space for greenery around the house and limits the impact on the surroundings. The building zone is respected to the maximum, while the volume subtly inscribes itself into the natural relief.
An underground garage allows the above-ground volume to be limited and reinforces the horizontal appearance of the building.
The house develops around a compact footprint and is organized around carefully chosen axes of vision. Interior spaces open up to sheltered outdoor rooms and filtered views of greenery.
The volume is characterized by strong horizontal lines and understated materialization. Light green-gray facing brick, dark aluminum joinery and natural zinc create a timeless architecture that blends into the landscape.
Project information
| Project |
Project
compact BEN house in the Steenbeek forest |
|---|---|
| Program |
Program Construction of a single-family house |
| Location |
Location
Nachtegalenlaan 9 8880 LEDEGEM |
| Builder |
Builder
private client |
| LINK LAB MEMBERS |
LINK LAB MEMBERS
US
|
| Site area |
Site area
2.245m2 |
| Ground intake |
Ground intake
352m2 |
| Status |
Status
design 2020-implementation 2026 |
Site
The plot is located in a wooded subdivision with valuable mature trees. The site slopes slightly and has a height difference of about three meters between the street and the green zone behind.
The green context is the starting point of the design. Preserving existing trees and respecting the natural soil structure were essential preconditions. The subdivision regulations define a central building zone, with sufficient distance from plot boundaries and surrounding houses.
The surroundings are characterized by detached houses with limited building depth and a pronounced landscape character.
Layout
The house will be centrally planted within the permitted building zone, creating a green buffer all around. This choice enhances privacy and allows the volume to fit harmoniously between the existing trees.
Due to the height difference in the site, an underground garage is integrated into the relief. This keeps the main volume compact and limits the visual impact on the street side.
Access is organized through a subtle incision in the volume, creating a clear but understated entrance. Outdoor spaces are not treated as residual zones, but deliberately oriented in relation to sun, privacy and views.
Architectural choices
The architecture is understated and timeless. The horizontal articulation of the volume is reinforced by the use of materials and refined detailing.
Light green-gray facade brick, dark aluminum exterior joinery and natural zinc roof finish are chosen. The limited materiality creates tranquility and allows the greenery to play the main role.
The house meets contemporary energy standards and is designed with attention to infiltration and water management, in accordance with current regulations.
