- Interior
The design is by Andy Kerstens, whose studio is known for its precise and understated design language in which architecture, interior and landscape are conceived as a whole. His approach always starts from context and material, with particular attention to light, rhythm and human scale. In this project, he translates that vision into architecture that radiates tranquillity and clarity, in which every detail serves the experience of space.
Above the city of Nice, where the hills slope down to the Mediterranean Sea, a house unfolds that seems to be both embedded in the landscape and rising out of it. The design does not seek to be spectacular, but rather to create an architecture that does not dominate, but moves with the light, the horizon and the lines of the terrain. The starting point is simplicity: the building and interior work together as a single gesture, with the landscape as a silent third partner. 
The original home has been completely redesigned to bring order, openness and cohesion. The floor plan has been simplified, circulation points are clearly defined, and sightlines now extend from the entrance to the terrace. Spaces flow into one another and open naturally onto the garden and the panorama. An elongated passageway serves as the backbone of the house; rhythmically placed openings bring a sense of direction and tranquillity. The upper floor was given a more spacious master suite with a raised ceiling, while the basement was transformed into a calm wellness zone and gym — conceived as a place for recovery and tranquillity, with the subdued atmosphere of a small gallery. 
Everything is detailed with precision, without excess, a nod to maritime simplicity
The architecture is layered but clear. Slim window frames are recessed into walls and volumes, allowing the view to remain the main feature. Behind a continuous functional wall, technical equipment, storage spaces and doors are invisibly integrated. Pivot and sliding panels make it possible to close off or connect zones, depending on light, seasons and use. This keeps the house changeable, but always clear. 
The materials strike a balance between tactility and timelessness. Natural tones dominate: soft limestone, brushed oak, subtle metal accents and a powdery palette that tempers the southern light. Reflective surfaces of tin and onyx capture the landscape and subtly bring it indoors. Everything is detailed with precision, without excess, a nod to maritime simplicity, translated into contemporary refinement. Inside, the understated atmosphere forms a backdrop for a careful selection of objects, art and vintage furniture. As a result, the house never feels finished, but lives with its residents. Architecture, interior and surroundings are not separate elements here, but links in a single coherent experience, calm, clear and lived-in. A home that does not try to impress, but gradually leaves an impression. 
Design by Andy Kerstens
Visualisations by Spectrum
Text by Elke Aerts