- Interior
- Architecture
In his projects, Nicolas Schuybroek lets architecture and interior merge into a balanced whole which radiates timelessness and serenity. Designed for a retired couple looking for peace and quiet and a strong connection with nature, this residence is another unique addition to his portfolio.
The location of JJM House played a major role in determining the architecture and layout of the house. Given the green surroundings with even a golf course nearby, the new building had to blend in with nature as discreetly as possible; this was already determined in the earliest phase of the design process. At the same time, the surroundings had to be tangible inside and there was to be a maximum focus on creating beautiful views and on making the most of the abundance of natural light. As in most of his realisations, Nicolas Schuybroek therefore prefers a minimalist approach, but he interprets it in his own way. For him, it is especially important not to create empty, cold interiors, but timeless living environments that feel warm, as is certainly the case here too.
Furthermore, the project is characterised by a very meticulous sense of proportion, geometry and lines. The simplicity that JJM House radiates as a result is further enhanced by the restrained palette of materials and colours, both in the architecture and in the interior. For the sleek, geometric facade, for example, a brick with a rough, natural look was chosen. The brushed cement mortar looks solid and the colour is very neutral, which makes the house blend in beautifully with its surroundings. The interior was also kept as neutral as possible with natural materials such as wood and stone and soft colours. It is remarkable to see how Schuybroek uses a dynamic and interesting interplay of lines to create a simple and relaxing result.
A dynamic and interesting interplay of lines creates a simple and relaxing result.
An important requirement of the owners was that they wanted a house that they could enjoy as much and for as long as possible. And so, they opted for a house of only one storey. However, this didn’t mean a limited amount of space, as the total surface area of the house is still about 530 m2. With four bedrooms, a swimming pool and an impressive terrace, guests are more than welcome here by the way.
Concerning the furnishing and decoration, there are many pieces that ensure that this house really can be described as ‘Gesammtkunstwerk’ and thus perfectly match the atmosphere and style of the interior, the architecture and the environment. The ultimate example of this is the 'Œil' or 'T22C' coffee table designed by Pierre Chapo in the early seventies. Made of solid elm wood and with the playful yet geometric pattern of a leaf, we cannot help but reflect on how perfectly it fits into this interior. It is the details like these that make a house look like a whole, even if you don't immediately understand how this came about.
You can find the full feature on JJM House with more information on this unique project in the issue Imagicasa Summer 2020. This is still available on our webshop.
images: ©Koen Van Damme, ©Claessens & Deschamps