Compact Urban Design: Modern Classic Belgium House in White Brick

Urban environment is always demanding on space and often homes need to be built on small, narrow lots while finding a balance between aesthetics and ergonomics. The Vinken House in Boechout, Belgium is one such smart home that seamlessly blends a classic, vernacular outline with modern functionality to create a residence that saves up on space. Designed by Poot Architectuur, the dashing house was built on a lot that was just half the size of the previous site that had a larger family home. The new house adapts to this shortage of space by creating more vertical room and using a couple of roofs that give it a distinct façade.

Classic outline of the Belgian home in white brick with a lovely red grout — Classic outline of the Belgian home in white brick with a lovely red outline

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Slanting-form-of-the-roof-is-complemented-by-the-shape-of-the-window-frame-15523-217x155

Ingenious-roof-line-of-the-house-gives-the-home-a-unique-modern-look-97977-217x155

Floor-plan-of-Vinken-House-designed-by-Poot-architectuur-in-Belgium-87249-217x155

The most apparent feature of the house beyond the design of its roof is the use of white brick for the exterior along with dashing red lines. This presents the image of a classic brick home that has been altered to fit into a more modern world! Wooden window frames and a large door in wood offer textural contrast with the façade veering more towards traditional form rather than modern. The interior presents a completely different picture with polished, light-filled space that are contemporary and even a touch minimal. [Photography: Pieter Geerts]

Red-lines-white-brick-and-a-classic-pitched-roof-give-this-Belgian-home-a-modern-traditional-look-27572 — Red lines, white brick and a classic pitched roof give this Belgian home a modern-traditional look

Skylight-and-windows-bring-light-into-the-house-while-also-shaping-the-custom-design-of-the-exterior-96409 — Skylight and windows bring light into the house while also shaping the custom design of the exterior

Space-savvy-single-family-house-in-Belgium-with-a-white-brick-exterior-27732 — Space-savvy single-family house in Belgium with a white brick exterior

Wooden-door-and-frames-of-the-house-give-contrast-to-the-facade-of-the-house-22889 — Wooden door and frames of the house give contrast to the facade of the house

The design became a challenge to knead the norms and interpret them as broadly as possible. We don’t colour within the lines but on the lines. A dormer is placed on the edge giving the impression of a turret. The facade is erected in white stone with a red joint.