Belgian architectural firm Marge Architecten has completed a remarkable renovation of a historic townhouse in Anderlecht, Brussels, creating a contemporary family home that emphasizes vertical connectivity and natural light. The 193-square-meter Private House Reiken III project, completed in 2023, represents a thoughtful transformation of a former doctor's residence into a modern living space for a family of five.
The original structure, located on a quiet street near Brussels city center, previously served as a medical practice with the doctor's office on the ground floor and living quarters upstairs. The building featured a traditional carriage passage that led through a semicircular gate to the backyard, but over time, this architectural feature had been enclosed and an annex building was constructed, creating dark, closed spaces and reducing the home's connection to outdoor areas.
Lead architects Steven Schreurs and Eva Delancker from Marge Architecten approached the renovation with a philosophy of creating "breathing space" rather than simply adding more built area. Their design strategy focused on looking upward for light and space, a crucial consideration in the high-density urban environment. The architects created a series of interconnected voids that extend vertically through the entire structure, from the ground floor all the way to the roof.
The innovative design stacks activities vertically while maintaining visual and spatial connections throughout the home. The ground floor houses an office space, dining room, and kitchen, all connected through carefully placed voids to the living space on the first floor. This living area maintains visual connectivity to the second floor through translucent glass elements in the dressing area, where natural light filters down through skylights and children can play in an oversized hallway.
A significant feature of the renovation is the restoration and reinterpretation of the original carriage passage. The architects reopened this historic element, creating a robust tiled pathway that leads from the front door through the kitchen to the garden. This design decision not only honors the building's heritage but also establishes a strong indoor-outdoor connection that was previously lost.
The project's crown jewel is the new rooftop terrace and garden, accessed via a custom staircase through the largest skylight. This elevated outdoor space provides the family with direct access to natural light, fresh air, and views of the neighborhood's tree canopy. The roof terrace functions as both an urban allotment garden and recreational space, permanently granting the residents the breathing room they sought.
Throughout the renovation, the architects maintained a careful balance between preserving original architectural elements and introducing clearly contemporary additions. Natural light now penetrates deep into the home, illuminating original interior doors, wooden floors, and historic staircases. New joinery work throughout the house follows a consistent design language, creating order and visual clarity through custom cabinetry, balustrades along the voids, and the dramatic staircase leading to the roof.
The rear facade received particular attention, transforming from a neglected back wall into a full-fledged architectural feature facing the new garden. The design pays homage to the front facade while employing contemporary materials and techniques. Brick elements reference traditional architectural details such as plinths, windowsills, and decorative gutters, creating a cohesive design language that bridges old and new.
The project utilized high-quality materials and manufacturers including Saint-Gobain, Reynaers, VMZINC, Winckelmans, and van de Moortel. Structural engineering was provided by Stabimi, while environmental sustainability consulting was handled by Struktuur by TREMA. Photography by Johnny Umans captures the successful integration of historic preservation with contemporary living needs.
Private House Reiken III demonstrates how thoughtful renovation can transform cramped urban housing into light-filled, functionally efficient homes. The project shows that families in dense city environments need not sacrifice quality of life, instead finding innovative solutions that reach toward the sky while maintaining connection to the ground and honoring architectural heritage.
