Revamped Cottage Near Antwerp: The Transformation of an Old Structure by Axel, Embracing the Wabi-Sabi and Minimalist Aesthetics for a Family Retreat
A Renovated Country House in Antwerp: A Harmonious Blend of Old and News
Nestled in a verdant suburb 20 minutes outside of Antwerp, Belgium, a renovated country house has become a sanctuary of Zen tranquility for its owners. This small 19th-century cottage, in dire need of renovation, has been transformed into a harmonious blend of the old and the news, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Tatsuro Miki and Axel Vervoordt.
Miki, the founder of Tatsuro Miki Architects based in Brussels, was entrusted with the task of realizing the ideas for the house's renovation. His vision was to combine the formality of the old house with a new barn-like structure that contains Wabi elements, a Japanese aesthetic that values simplicity and irregularity.
The interior of the house reflects this harmonious fusion. The 19th-century cottage, characterised by colour and layering, contrasts beautifully with the new structure that connects with nature through minimalism. The long corridor connecting the two structures, with windows below eye level, directs the gaze downward, creating a sense of continuity and transition.
The designers used the Japanese term roji to describe this corridor, representing a transition area on the way to a news house. This corridor leads to the heart of the home, the kitchen, where a painting created by Axel Vervoordt in 1964 depicting his nephew takes centre stage.
Other pieces of art in the house are by Belgian artist Jef Verheyen, Japanese artists Sadaharu Horio, and Ryuji Tanaka, adding to the house's eclectic and harmonious atmosphere. The materials used in the house, such as reused wooden beams and hemp insulation, embody truth and are meant to endure, reflecting the designers' commitment to sustainability.
Axel Vervoordt, who has lived with his wife May since 1984 in 's-Gravenwezel Castle, describes the house as "a very happy house" with a positive aura. This sentiment is echoed by the clients, who enjoy the Zen atmosphere and feel relaxed and perfectly balanced every day when they come home.
This renovation project is not just another addition to Miki and Vervoordt's impressive portfolio. They have collaborated on projects such as the acclaimed "TriBeCa Penthouse" in New York's Greenwich Hotel. In this country house near Antwerp, they have once again demonstrated their ability to create a unique and harmonious space that seamlessly blends old and news.
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