A Sustainable Transformation: A Family Home that Maximizes Space and Embraces Circular Design

The renovation of this family home in Ganshoren was not just about creating more space—it was about integrating sustainable materials and circular design principles at every level. Frederik and Els, the homeowners, were committed to using eco-friendly, natural materials wherever possible, reducing their environmental footprint. They enlisted the help of Hé! Architects, a young Brussels-based studio known for sustainable projects. Their dedication to material innovation helped turn a historic house into a modern, eco-friendly family space.

Creating Space without Expanding the Footprint
One of the architects’ key innovations was to increase the feeling of spaciousness without expanding the building footprint. Hanne Eckelmans, one of the lead architects, explains: “We demolished the old annex at the back and replaced it with a compact wooden extension, which allowed us to create more outdoor space while enhancing the comfort inside.” The new extension, constructed with timber framing, features a two-story glass façade that opens up the interior to the garden, flooding it with light. A floating mezzanine overlooks the open-plan kitchen, creating a visual connection between the two floors while also maximizing the sense of space.

Natural and Circular Materials
In line with their sustainable ambitions, natural and circular materials were used throughout. The kitchen, made of oiled MDF, was custom-built by Atelier Hanssens. The interior walls are painted with clay-based paint supplied by BC Materials, a Brussels cooperative that focuses on circular building solutions. The earthy colour palette, with hues of sand beige, mustard yellow, and sage green, was inspired by the original mosaic floor in the entrance hall, preserving the home’s historic charm.

Craftsmanship and Design Details
Maxime de Cock crafted the wrought iron elements, including the kitchen island and the green planter that forms an eye-catching feature above it. The design seamlessly blends old and new elements, respecting the house’s interwar heritage while updating it to meet modern sustainability standards.

Challenges of Sustainable Renovation
The renovation was not without its challenges. Opting for ecological and circular materials often comes with a higher price tag and can make the building process more complex. Finding the right contractors for the work took longer than expected, and the administrative burden of applying for subsidies was substantial. However, their perseverance paid off: their project was awarded a grant by Renolab.B, a Brussels initiative supporting sustainable renovation projects.

Source: De Morgen
Photos: Tim van de Velde