Brussels-based architecture studio Hé! has completed a striking renovation of a traditional Flemish farmhouse in Belgium, creating a unique glazed winter garden that replaces part of the original roof structure. The innovative design transforms the upper floor into a light-filled living space that dramatically improves the home's connection with the surrounding natural landscape.
The Omloop Farmhouse, located in Belgium's scenic Pajottenland region, was purchased by its current owners in the 1990s. The couple approached Hé! with a specific vision: they wanted to enhance their home's relationship with nature while creating a more compact, age-friendly layout suitable for their retirement years. The hilly terrain and limited roof windows had previously restricted views of the forest in front and elevated fields behind the property.
"By dissecting the organization of the typical Flemish fermette, the project explored how to minimize the heated volume while enhancing the home's connection with nature," explained Hanne Eckelmans, co-founder of studio Hé!. "Because of the sloping terrain and small roof windows, there was little connection to the forest in front and the elevated fields at the back."
The most dramatic transformation involves the addition of a glazed winter garden on the upper floor, which replaces a significant portion of the home's existing pitched roof. This innovative glass-roofed space is strategically separated from the home's heated interior by a substantial rammed-earth wall, creating a transitional zone that captures natural light while managing temperature control. The timber and metal volume follows the home's traditional pitched form but introduces contemporary materials and transparency.
"By replacing part of the existing roof with a glasshouse roof, a new living space was created with views of both the forest and the fields beyond," Eckelmans added. The winter garden features steel-framed windows and is furnished with a table and small countertop, while a metal-cased planter fronts the space, creating an attractive contrast with the home's traditional brick walls.
At ground level, the architects completely reorganized the home's living spaces around a central earthen stove, which replaced the previous boiler system as the primary heating source. The formerly oversized entrance hall was transformed into a more compact, double-height entryway that serves dual purposes as both an entrance and seating area, complete with a built-in rammed-earth bench.
The ground floor unfolds into a series of interconnected living spaces that flow naturally from one to another. The redesigned layout includes a modern kitchen and adjacent dining room that provide direct access to the rear garden. To ensure the home remains suitable for aging in place, the architects added a bedroom and bathroom at ground level, eliminating the need for the couple to navigate stairs for essential daily activities.
Throughout the interior, earth-toned flooring creates visual unity across all ground floor spaces. This natural palette is complemented by clay-plastered walls, textured concrete floors, and distinctive red-colored columns and beams that add warmth and character to the spaces. A floating staircase with black steel railings serves as a striking architectural feature while providing access to the second floor.
The upper level maintains the character of the existing pitched roof while accommodating the new winter garden addition. The second floor centers around a main living space flanked by two small bedrooms that share a bathroom. At the opposite end, the substantial rammed-earth wall features a small window and double doors that open directly into the glazed winter garden.
The winter garden's design incorporates sophisticated climate control features to ensure year-round comfort. The south-facing glass roof allows the rammed-earth wall to absorb solar heat during autumn and winter months, naturally warming the adjacent interior spaces. "The glass-roofed living space faces south, allowing the rammed earth wall to absorb the sun's warmth during autumn and winter," Eckelmans explained.
For warmer weather, the architects incorporated strategic ventilation systems. "Windows at eye level and in the ridge on both sides enable a natural airflow, helping to cool the space on warmer days," she noted. Hinged openings throughout the winter garden provide additional ventilation control, allowing residents to fine-tune their comfort levels throughout the seasons.
This project represents part of Hé!'s broader portfolio of thoughtful residential renovations in Belgium. The studio has previously completed other notable projects including a timber extension to a wisteria-covered townhouse on the outskirts of Brussels and the conversion of an industrial building in Brussels into a four-story townhouse that combines residential space with studio and co-working areas. The Omloop Farmhouse renovation demonstrates the firm's expertise in balancing respect for traditional architecture with innovative contemporary interventions that enhance both functionality and connection to nature.
