JK House

  • Sint-Martens-Latem
  • Photography / Thomas De Bruyne

Wood, concrete and a thatched roof. Only three materials that intertwine and reinforce each other. In this home, a tightly directed mix of materials flirts with calm and warmth. As a result, simplicity takes on a soft layer. The front facade immediately displays the trio of materials in a pronounced way: a two-metre-wide front door in afzelia wood, concrete volumes in a natural-looking, fine plank formwork and a tightly aligned thatched roof.

The front facade deliberately makes a closed impression. No disturbing elements, no insights. Behind the front door, however, a fresh, light-filled house opens up, with a pronounced staircase in the entrance hall. The voluminous revolving door fits in nicely.
Simplicity also stays within the theme. White plastered walls have the upper hand, nicely contrasting with the exposed concrete beams and bespoke sapelli work. The white terrazzo floor continues seamlessly throughout each room, keeping the entire home connected.

That floor takes an unexpected turn in the kitchen, where it seemingly merges with the island. Atypically, this massive volume contains no cabinets and takes up space rather brutally. In contrast, there is the warmth of the wooden kitchen cabinets, the floating shelf for breakfast by the window and the surrounding greenery that defines the view everywhere. Sometimes subtly framed, then pronounced thanks to the large windows. Following on from that greenery nestles a blanket of tranquillity.