The Green Marble Garden Pavilion: A Modern Extension Harmonizing with Nature
Studio Okami Architecten has transformed a family dwelling in Belsele, Belgium, by adding an innovative pavilion-style extension. This new structure, known as The Garden Pavilion, showcases a distinctive green marble facade and is designed to open directly onto the lush garden. The project successfully modernizes the inherited property while carefully preserving its original character, creating a harmonious blend of past and present.
The architectural firm, Studio Okami Architecten, focused on retaining the essence of the existing house. The primary addition serves as a spacious open-plan area, encompassing a kitchen, living room, and dining space. This single-story volume boldly contrasts with the traditional reddish-brown brick of the original building, distinguished by its sculptural roof and the luminous green marble cladding. This deliberate material choice highlights a commitment to both aesthetic appeal and structural longevity.
A core principle guiding the design was to forge a strong connection between the interior and the outdoor environment. Expansive glass doors and windows are strategically placed along the pavilion's perimeter, allowing abundant natural light to flood the space and offering uninterrupted views of the garden. This thoughtful integration aims to create a dynamic living experience that evolves with the seasons, truly bringing the 'outside in.'
Hans Vanassche, co-founder of Studio Okami Architecten, elaborated on the pavilion's form, stating that its shape was directly influenced by the desire to maximize its relationship with the garden. The design also incorporates a gently curved, neutral-toned concrete canopy. This canopy not only complements the vibrant marble facade but also serves a practical purpose: it provides essential shading for the large glass windows, balancing aesthetics with functional considerations.
The existing garden played a pivotal role in shaping the final architectural design. Mature trees and various plants provided a natural framework that the architects skillfully incorporated into their plans. Minimal alterations were made to the garden itself, limited to creating a new entrance and accommodating on-site parking at the front of the property. Inside, the original house now primarily hosts private rooms, while the communal areas, such as the living, kitchen, and dining spaces, are elegantly situated within the new pavilion. Bram Van Cauter, another co-founder, noted that this reorganization allowed them to preserve roughly 90 percent of the original house's layout, simply reconfiguring the usage of spaces.
The heart of the open-plan living area is marked by a sleek stainless steel kitchen island. This central feature is complemented by speckled terrazzo flooring and deep bottle-green tiles, which echo the rich tones of the exterior marble. Van Cauter explained that the kitchen island acts as a focal point, directing the flow of the 'public space' from the living room to the dining area and out to the terrace. Further interior modifications include converting a large ground-floor entrance into a main bedroom suite, complete with a dressing room, home office, and downstairs bathroom. Upstairs, the original bathroom was downsized to accommodate a smaller shower room, making way for three children's bedrooms, all connected to the kitchen by an open staircase. This meticulous renovation by Studio Okami Architecten exemplifies a thoughtful approach to modern living, respecting heritage while embracing contemporary design principles.