Behind a row of detached cottages lining the road, hidden behind the facade of an unfortunate architectural mishmash, lies a beautiful landscape. This small valley provides the ideal setting for a completely different kind of home. Karbon’s unconventional house in Hennuyères (a borough of ’s-Gravenbrakel) strictly adheres to the principles of ecological building.

When Karbon’ discovered this rural property, the temptation to demolish it was strong. However, the principle of ecological and sustainable building prevailed, and the existing building was retained. A second good reason for preserving it is its favourable positioning on the plot. The south-facing orientation of the extension to the original structure gives the whole building a sense of wings: the added bay opens out onto a beautiful rolling landscape. The old section contains a high, open workspace. The adjoining living area is very compact and wraps itself like a snail’s shell around the masonry stove, which also serves as a piece of furniture.