Dune House Oostduinkerke, Belgium property news, Modern Belgian home design architects

Dune House in Oostduinkerke, Belgium

18 September 2024

Design: OYO Architects

Location: Oostduinkerke, Belgium

Photos: Karen Van der Biest

Dune House, Oostduinkerke – Modern Belgium Property

The existing house, with a rich and storied history, survived the devastation of World War II, though only the half-buried floor containing the bedrooms remained intact. In the 1960s, the upper floor was rebuilt using wood. The design process for its renovation centered on a profound respect for the existing structure and a regenerative approach. The goal was to preserve the unique character of this historic building, including its optimal orientation and clever layout, while enhancing its functionality and sustainability.

Much of the original wooden interior structure was retained, but the old wooden panels on the facade were replaced with modern insulation and sleek, black-stained wooden planks. The roof was renovated, raising the edge slightly to conceal newly installed solar panels, giving the facade a more refined, minimalist appearance. This effort aimed to integrate the house more harmoniously with the natural surroundings of the dunes. The entrance, accessible via a brick outdoor staircase, remained unchanged, preserving a key aspect of the original design.

The challenge lay in balancing the renovation with the house’s historical significance while maximizing the comfort and experience of the residents. The design aimed to minimize the visual and spatial impact on the environment while honoring the home’s authenticity. The original wooden structure, combined with remnants of the original building, serves as the basis for this thoughtful transformation, which blends the home seamlessly into nature.

Working closely with the residents, the project prioritized sustainability and a deep connection to nature. The use of sustainable materials like wood enhances the natural feel of the house, which is half-embedded in the dunes. This compact yet comfortable design includes a garden-side canopy, offering a sheltered terrace for relaxation and protection from overheating. The lower-level bedrooms provide cool, intimate spaces, while the master bedroom features an outdoor shower terrace, creating a harmonious blend of comfort and nature.

The sustainability approach was comprehensive, including a groundwater heat pump and solar boiler system to produce energy and heat water. Excess energy is stored in a battery pack, while geothermal cooling keeps the house cool in summer. Even the swimming pool is heated sustainably, with wall and floor heating within the basin. These eco-friendly technologies create a true oasis in the dunes, where sustainability and comfort coexist in perfect harmony.

Dune House, Oostduinkerke, Belgium – Building Information

Architects: OYO Architects – https://www.oyo.eu/
Project name: Dune house
Architect: OYO Architects
Location: Oostduinkerke, Belgium
Client: private
Building period: 2020 – 2021
Plot Area: 2,540 sq. m.
Building area: 120 sq. m. of which 65 sq. m. renovation
Team: FS Workx (contractor), Hood (woodworks), ESP-projects (technics),Tecclem (engineering/EPB), Vandevelde (flooring), Bemotec (steel works), Biopool (swimming pool)