JK House

• Sint-Martens-Latem

• Photography / Thomas De Bruyne

Wood, concrete, and a thatched roof—three materials that intertwine and reinforce each other. In this home, a carefully curated mix of materials flirts with calmness and warmth, adding a soft layer to simplicity.

The front facade immediately showcases this trio in a striking way: a two-metre-wide front door in afzelia wood, concrete volumes with a natural-looking, fine plank formwork, and a seamlessly aligned thatched roof. Deliberately, the facade creates a closed impression—no distracting elements, no direct views inside. Yet, behind the front door, a fresh, light-filled home unfolds, revealing a striking staircase in the entrance hall. A voluminous revolving door integrates seamlessly into the design.

Simplicity remains a central theme. White plastered walls dominate, offering a crisp contrast to the exposed concrete beams and bespoke sapelli woodwork. A continuous white terrazzo floor extends seamlessly throughout each room, ensuring a strong sense of cohesion.

In the kitchen, this floor takes an unexpected turn, appearing to merge into the island. Unconventionally, this massive volume contains no cabinets, asserting its presence with boldness. In contrast, warmth emanates from the wooden kitchen cabinets, the floating breakfast shelf by the window, and the surrounding greenery—sometimes subtly framed, other times dramatically highlighted by expansive windows. Flowing from this natural backdrop emerges a blanket of tranquillity.