Renovation and extension of a house in Gembloux

This project in Gembloux, in Namur province, Wallonia, involves the renovation of a single-family house and the full reconstruction of a two-storey rear extension, aimed at rationalising the living spaces to better meet the occupants' needs. Designed by STARC, an architecture firm based in Gembloux, the scheme reorganises the ground floor around a functional dining area opening directly onto the kitchen, while relocating the bathroom to the upper level of the new extension in compliance with health and sanitation standards.

The new volume is set against the rear elevation of the main house, articulated by a lateral setback that clearly distinguishes the two entities while preserving an overall compact and coherent architectural composition. The surrounding hedge enclosure, which screens the garden from neighbouring views, informed the decision to introduce wide horizontal strip windows across all ground-floor elevations, flooding the living spaces with natural light and framing panoramic views over the garden and terrace.

The materiality of the project draws on two complementary finishes: a beige insulated render unifies the right-hand side elevation of the principal volume, while timber cladding wraps the extension, visually differentiating the two parts of the building. This considered dialogue of materials gives the house a restrained and contemporary character, well integrated within the residential fabric of Gembloux.