Wabi-Sabi and Minimalism Combine: A Family Retreat Makeover by Axel on an Antwerp-Nearby Vintage Cottage
In a serene green suburb 20 minutes outside Antwerp, Belgium, a former gardener's cottage has been transformed into a stunning piece of contemporary architecture. Tatsuro Miki, the founder of Tatsuro Miki Architects based in Brussels, was entrusted with bringing the family's ideas to life for the renovation of the house.
The original house, in need of renovation, was a modest country house that lay on the edge of the park of 's-Gravenwezel Castle. The property's new design, now dubbed as a "news" of nature through sensitive minimalism.
Axel Vervoordt, a renowned art collector and interior designer, played a significant role in the project. The renovation was an unusually personal matter for him, as the owners are relatives. He describes the house as a "very happy house" with a positive vibe.
The two structures in the house, a 19th-century house and a new "news", are connected by a long, almost empty corridor. The windows in this corridor are below eye level, directing the gaze to the ground. This architectural decision adds to the zen atmosphere of the house, where the clients feel relaxed and perfectly balanced every day when they come home.
The kitchen, a focal point of the house, features lime plaster, natural casein paint, and patinated terracotta tiles. The color combination of light green and blue reflects the blue of the sky and the green landscape. A painting in the kitchen, created by Axel Vervoordt in 1964, depicts his then four-year-old nephew.
The materials used in the house, such as reused wooden beams, round pillars of soft larch wood, and hemp insulation, are chosen for their durability and eco-friendliness. This commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the entire design.
Tatsuro Miki and Axel Vervoordt have collaborated on projects like the celebrated "TriBeCa Penthouse" in New York's "Greenwich Hotel." Their collaboration in this Belgian country house is a testament to their shared vision of blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, highlighting natural materials and light.
The house is adorned with art pieces by Belgian artist Jef Verheyen, Japanese artists Sadaharu Horio and Ryuji Tanaka, and a later designer. These pieces add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the already stunning design.
In this transformed "news", nature, sustainability, and art come together to create a unique and inviting space. It serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and the beauty that can be achieved when traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary design.
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