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Dune House

Oyo Architects

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View on the terrace with canopy - Karen Van der Biest
Grandchildren visiting to play in the dunes - Karen Van der Biest
Open kitchen with ample storage - Karen Van der Biest
View on the terrace with canopy - Karen Van der Biest

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Comments
Innovation
Functionality
Creativity
Eco-Social Impact
Total
JURY VOTES
House
6.31
6.91
6.85
7.03
6.77
Floor area
120 ㎡
Completion
2022
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Lighting

INNOVATION
OYO re-imagined a historic building into a sustainable retreat in the Belgian Dunes. The existing house was bombed during World War II and only the half-buried floor with the bedrooms survived. In the 1960s, the upper floor was rebuilt in wood. Our challenge was to renovate the house with its history and potential in mind, while maintaining its authenticity. We aim for minimal spatial and visual impact on the environment, but with a maximum positive impact on the residents' experience. This wooden structure, together with the remnants of the original house, now form the basis for a further transformation and regeneration of this location.

FUNCTIONALITY
With Dune house we redefine the concept of home as a sanctuary of well-being due to smart architectural interventions. The bedrooms on the lower level offer greater intimacy and remain cool during summer, with the master bedroom also featuring an outdoor shower terrace. Since the family are ardent travellers and like to bring souvenirs back, we conceptualised smart storage solutions such as built-in closets and roof beam spaces. These add to the comfortable, generous feel of the home. The window seats with storage underneath are also a popular spot for children to read and play while basking in natural daylight.

CREATIVITY
With respect for the existing, we adopted a regenerative attitude to design. The starting point of the design process was to maintain the unique character of this historical building, which boasted the original optimal orientation and clever layout, and preserve as much as possible.
The majority of the wooden interior structure was retained, while the old wooden panels on the facade were replaced with insulation and sleek black-stained wooden planks. To renovate the roof, we slightly raised its edge so that the newly installed solar panels appeared to be sunken into the roof. This makes for a sober facade and finish, with the aim of integrating the house more with the nature of the dunes. We preserved the main entrance layout to the house, accessible via the brick outdoor staircase.

SUSTAINABILITY
We believe in the alchemy between nature and architecture, in generosity, in unfolding harmonious connections to the environment and the people who reside in it. Together with the client we wanted to design a sustainable, long-lasting home without compromising on living comfort and connection with the surroundings. That’s why we adopted a few measures to create a true oasis in the dunes:
- We've installed a ground water heat pump and solar boiler system to produce warm water and generate energy from the sun. The surplus energy is stored in a battery pack for later use.
- To keep the home cool in the summer, we've used geothermal cooling from the ground.
- Even the swimming pool is heated sustainably, with wall and floor heating in the basin.