Poolhouse MRT

Poolhouse MRT
© Tim Van de Velde

Poolhouse MRT

Steven Vandenborre Architects

YEAR
2013

LOCATION
Kortrijk, Belgium

CAYEGORY
Houses, Extension

Text description provided by architect.

The house is situated in a suburban area dominated by the typical villa. The existing building dates from the 70 ies.

The interior of the existing house was made of characteristic concrete floors with wooden formwork, white painted brickwalls and clear open spaces.

Poolhouse MRT
© Tim Van de Velde
Poolhouse MRT
© Tim Van de Velde

The extension of the house had to be a logic result of the history and atmosphere of the existing house.

To improve the privacy regarding the neighbours we positioned a new courtyard with floating concrete walls.

Poolhouse MRT
© Tim Van de Velde
Poolhouse MRT
© Tim Van de Velde

On the streetside, because of the terrain slope , there is a carport under the floating concrete wall and floor. The floor above the carport is transformed as a reflecting pond.

In order to incorporate 2 bedrooms, the entrance from the carport and a lounge, one of the new walls has been duplicated, thus creating the necessary space.

The new courtyard is completely made of concrete and is a warm tribute to the great Belgian architect Julien Lampens.

Poolhouse MRT
© Tim Van de Velde
Poolhouse MRT
© Tim Van de Velde
Poolhouse MRT
© Tim Van de Velde

The transition between inside an outside is very typical in the abstract architecture of the office of Steven Vandenborre. All the facades of the spaces on the courtyard are glazed doors.

The overall impression is that of an abstraction of garden walls, concrete floating walls of a building that could be located on a hill in Switzerland.

Poolhouse MRT
© Tim Van de Velde
Poolhouse MRT
© Tim Van de Velde

Because of the embedded character , own climate (no wind) and swimming pool the courtyard makes the residents feel like they are on holiday in their own house


Poolhouse MRT
© Tim Van de Velde
Poolhouse MRT
© Tim Van de Velde
Poolhouse MRT
© Tim Van de Velde


Poolhouse MRT
Diagram 1
Poolhouse MRT
Diagram 2
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Diagram 3
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Diagram 4
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Diagram 5
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Diagram 6


Poolhouse MRT
Site Plan
Poolhouse MRT
Floor Plan


Poolhouse MRT
Section