A thoughtfully renovated semi-detached house in Nazareth-De Pinte, Belgium, demonstrates how contemporary architecture can align daily life with the natural rhythm of the sun. The Hofbode II project, completed by Marge architecten in 2023, transforms a historical residence once known as "Villa Les Roses" into a modern family home that prioritizes natural light and functional living spaces.
The 200-square-meter renovation and extension project was led by Valérie Filliers and the design team at Marge architecten. The architects worked closely with structural engineering firm Stabimi, environmental sustainability consultants Struktuur, electrical engineers Joliet, and general contractor Dender Construct to ensure the project met contemporary standards for both comfort and sustainability.
The architectural intervention carefully balances preservation of the home's historical character with modern living requirements. The design emphasizes the relationship between interior spaces and natural light patterns throughout the day, creating rooms that respond to the sun's movement across the sky. This approach ensures that different areas of the house are optimized for various activities depending on the time of day.
High-quality materials were selected to enhance both durability and aesthetic appeal. The project incorporates products from leading manufacturers including EQUITONE for facade materials, Investwood for structural elements, RENSON for ventilation systems, Forbo flooring solutions, KERROCK surfaces, and Velux windows that maximize natural light penetration while maintaining energy efficiency.
The renovation demonstrates how semi-detached housing typologies can be successfully adapted for contemporary family life. By focusing on the interplay between architecture and natural light, the project creates a living environment that feels both timeless and thoroughly modern. The design's emphasis on aligning daily routines with solar patterns represents a sustainable approach to residential architecture that reduces reliance on artificial lighting while enhancing the quality of interior spaces.
Photographed by Marnick Beerts, the completed project showcases how thoughtful architectural intervention can transform existing housing stock into exemplary contemporary homes. The Hofbode II house stands as a testament to the potential for renovation projects to create meaningful improvements in both functionality and livability while respecting the architectural heritage of existing structures.
