AST77 BVBA

Low Energy Bamboo House

Low Energy Bamboo House
© Steven Massart

LOW ENERGY BAMBOO HOUSE

AST 77 Architecten

PHOTOGRAPHS
Steven Massart

LOCATION
Rotselaar, Belgium

CATEGORY
Houses 

YEAR
2010

AREA
118.0 m²

Text description provided by architect.

The narrow sloping and afforested site, south faced towards the Beukenlaan, is not that typical Flanders plot. In the past the neighbourhood seems to have been a residential recreation zone, where Belgians used to build their individual summer houses.

Low Energy Bamboo House
© Steven Massart
Low Energy Bamboo House
© Steven Massart

When asked to build a new spacious residence on this particular site, AST77 was confronted with a bungalow and extension. Replacing the old buildings the architects made an intelligent use of the existing retaining wall.

Rather than following the direction of the street, the house faintly changes the direction of its long front facade in favour of the direction of the perimeter at the back.

Low Energy Bamboo House
© Steven Massart
Low Energy Bamboo House
© Steven Massart
Low Energy Bamboo House
© Steven Massart

Walking on the slightly sloping path along the long front facade towards the entrance, one notices the length and narrowness of the house.

The exceptional dwelling is 26.3 m long and only 4.5 m wide and seems to be partly dug into the slope of the terrain, be it that excavations were limited due to the use of the retaining wall.

With its roof following the slope of the site, the volume of the house is reduced. The exterior is clad with ecological bamboo sticks vertically placed in black steel frames.

Low Energy Bamboo House
© Steven Massart
Low Energy Bamboo House
© Steven Massart
Low Energy Bamboo House
© Steven Massart

In combination with the surrounding trees mirrored in the glazing, this creates an interesting effect.

The entrance is situated in the underpass where a balcony offers a view towards the garden and forest. At the right side there is a storage. Behind the entrance door the house reveals an entirely open space.

From the reception hall one can walk down towards the kitchen and afterwards to the living area and garden level.

Low Energy Bamboo House
© Steven Massart
Low Energy Bamboo House
© Steven Massart

Another 'promenade architecturale' brings you to some introvert volumes with bedrooms and bathroom. Strategically placed windows in between and in the volumes provide various views on the tree crowns.

During winter period sunlight is able to provide passive solar gain through the windows after passing through the trees on the opposite side of the street, while in summer the trees provides a natural sunscreen.

Low Energy Bamboo House
© Steven Massart
Low Energy Bamboo House
© Steven Massart

In the near future new trees will be planted in front of the house to replace some trees which did not survive during construction. Not only will they provide a supplementary sunscreen but also an extra buffer towards the street.

The cellar houses the installations for water cleansing and recuperation of rain and offers access to the garden.

Low Energy Bamboo House
© Steven Massart
Low Energy Bamboo House
© Steven Massart

A heat pump, floor heating, extensive insulation, a ventilation system and its favourable orientation make this house a sustainable and effective low energy house.


Low Energy Bamboo House
© Steven Massart
Low Energy Bamboo House
© Steven Massart
Low Energy Bamboo House
© Steven Massart
Low Energy Bamboo House
© Steven Massart
Low Energy Bamboo House
© Steven Massart


Low Energy Bamboo House
Ground Floor Plan
Low Energy Bamboo House
First Floor Plan
Low Energy Bamboo House
Site Plan


Low Energy Bamboo House
North Facade
Low Energy Bamboo House
South Facade
Low Energy Bamboo House
South Facade


Low Energy Bamboo House
East Facade
Low Energy Bamboo House
West Facade
Low Energy Bamboo House
Section


Low Energy Bamboo House
Section
Low Energy Bamboo House
Section

AST77 BVBA
T +33 16 811077
AST77 BVBA
Goossensvest 45, 3300 Tienen, Belgium