#HTE
Photo © Hélène Binet.
Photo © Hélène Binet.
Photo © François Halard.
Photo © François Halard.
Photo © François Halard.
Photo © François Halard.
The king of Belgian understated luxury, Vincent Van Duysen has completed the VO residence located in Knokke, a Belgian seaside village renowned for its refined white holiday homes with gabled roofs. Situated alongside the Royal Golf Course, the home allows uninterrupted views across the golf course and onto its protected private gardens, designed by Martin Wirtz.
Large, whitewashed brick volumes – positioned simply within the natural green landscape – support a great thatched roof. These primary architectural elements define the strong and modern character and expression of the house as an interpretation of the traditional Knokke vernacular.
The massive monolithic brick volumes arrange the house spatially and functionally. It is sometimes open to its environment with vistas to the green all around, or protected when positioned between, behind or within the massive brickwork volumes. The cement-washed bone-coloured finish links the exterior with the interior.
The minimal windows strengthen the continuity between indoors and out. The large thatched roof creates a sense of protected and introverted feel, providing privacy for the inhabitants.
Photo © François Halard.
Photo © François Halard.
Photo © François Halard.
Photo © Hélène Binet.
True to Van Duysen’s signature style, the interior is finely detailed. An elegant and sophisticated material palette sits in tension with the raw expression of the thatched roof and the cement-washed brickwork textures applied all over the exterior and some of the interior walls.
Depending on the desired mood, the different interior finishes bring variation to the series of nuanced atmospheres. The dark timber double-height ceiling in the grand living room contrasts with the natural-timber clad kitchen with its lower ceiling, and textured brick walls are offset with smooth timber cladding. Meanwhile, the leather and ‘vegetal’ wallpaper finish inside the home office and master bedroom create a softer and more intimate feel inside the private sanctuary.
The custom-made furniture and interior decor further add to the sophisticated atmosphere, reminiscent of the grand holiday homes from the past. 
The post VO Residence in Knokke, Belgium by Vincent Van Duysen. appeared first on Yellowtrace.
https://www.yellowtrace.com.au/vo-residence-knokke-belgium-vincent-van-duysen-luxury-holiday-house/