Flemish Renovation Combines a Modern ‘Rabbit Hole’ Entrance With Rural Tradition

Back in 2006 <a href="http://www.lensass.be/">LENS'ASS Architecten</a> converted this house and veterinary clinic in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pajottenland">Pajottenland, Belgium</a>, into a modern portrait of Flemish elegance. The Belgian studio ensured the family residence kept many of its original features, such as ground-to-roof brick walls, barn-style doors, and roughly crafted wooden beams -- all of which were left exposed to keep the contemporary farmhouse style. One new and eye-catching addition was the <a href="http://www.lensass.be/48744/406463/work/house-dr">'Rabbit Hole'</a>, a narrow mason brick tunnel that connects the house to the street. This access point ensures the dwelling -- an open assemblage of scattered buildings -- remains private, blocking direct views into the yard.

The narrow brick access point is curved so that views from the street cannot see the house directly.

The outdoor area of the site is also enclosed, which spatially connects the home with the veterinary practice adjacent.

But large windows help to open the house out into the surrounding farmland that stretches off into the distance, including the historic 17th-century gaasbeek castle.

As with all interesting and dynamic renovations, the architects have made sure that the residence remains balanced between its original rural heritage and a contemporary finish.

The site combines all traditional farmhouse finishes with modernized touches.

LENS'ASS have created a subtle redesign of a stunning space.