Architects from the Belgian architecture firm dmvA located in Mechelen, have designed and completed Extension vB4 – an addition to an already existing A-frame house.
The home is located within the countryside of Brecht in Belgium, in a municipality with strict building regulations and therefore taking these regulations into account, the architects were able to transform the old A-frame cottage into a modern residence on a plot with a size of merely 280 square feet, an extraordinary challenge with an interesting result that we`re inviting you to glance upon.

The Extension that was undertaken is in fact a floating volume with a trapezoid shape built with wooden structures. These new parts follow the same frames and studs as the original ones and they are connected to the old space, creating a washroom, a library and an entrance hall.
To freshen up the exterior, the A-frame was cladded in black stained siding that is positioned vertically. There’s a reason for the position of the cladding, the vertical positioning creates a repetitive motion similar to the lush surrounding forest.

A few years ago dmvA was requested to design an extension to an A-framed house in order to reconvert this holiday home into a comfortable, contemporary house.
This house is situated in a former recreation area and although municipality transformed this area into one with full residential use, one has to deal with specific building regulations.

First dmvA designed an organic lobate extension, consisting of three parts, winding between the fir-trees. Although nature was highly respected, this design did not meet the demands of building authorities and was therefore rejected.
This led to the design and construction of the well-known, mobile BlobvB3.

–dmvA

The search for a design which fitted in with building regulations and also strong enough to touch the pyramid form, resulted in a floating volume, a ‘tunnel’ built with trapezoidal wooden constructions. Like the A-framed house, built with structural frame of studs, this new timber part followed the same structure. These two frames next to each other connect the old and the new part and create the basis for the dimensions of the library, the new bathroom and entrance.

The back and the frontside of the new building volume are fully glazed, allowing full view on the garden and pond.
The architectural concept is based on a dialogue between old and new, cosiness and openness, glass and wood and linked by materiality and details.

–dmvA

Floor plans of vB4 by dmvA

Nestled between trees, built in a neutral design language, subdued to its surroundings, the home contains an extraordinary impeccable white interior beautifully warmed by a chimney. All these seem elements of an extraordinary architectural recipe, what do you think?

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