Very Low Energy House Halle / HASA - Architecten

Curated by Martita Vial

Architects: HASA - Architecten
Area: 335 m²
Year: 2015
Photographs:Tim Van de Velde
Manufacturers: DuPont, Hullebusch, SVK, Steng, TossB
Energy Advisor: SVE Energy
Engineering: BALT Engineering

Text description provided by the architects. This very energy-efficient house (NEB^verw 14,89 kWh/m²) is conceived as a series of interlocking, spacious rooms that, thanks to its meticulously placed windows, open up to its surroundings. Although designed for a dynamic 70-year-old, it is suited for a family of 4.

Very Low Energy House Halle / HASA - Architecten - Windows, Brick, Facade — © Tim Van de Velde

The semi-detached house had to respect the volume of the neighbouring house, constructed 20 years earlier. To compensate for the rather low cornice that had to be respected, we made cut-outs in the roof surface to allow daylight to enter the bedrooms on the first and second floor.

For the exterior, we used neutral grey materials, providing a harmonising coherence with the neighbour, yet distinct enough to avoid triviality. Front and side facades were done in robust bricks, the rear facade and the roof were covered with cement slates to create one whole . Perforated steel sheets provide privacy where needed.

Very Low Energy House Halle / HASA - Architecten - Windows, Facade — © Tim Van de Velde

We placed the main entrance at the side of the house to optimise circulation space in the house. The sitting room is on the street side (east facade), with a partially raised ceiling to provide ample daylight. The high-placed window to the street ensures the room gets ample daylight, yet guarantees a distinct level of cosiness.

In the dining room at the rear, a panoramic window highlights the views of the open meadows and fields behind the house. A compact, yet functional, kitchen divides the two living spaces. At noon, the sunlight enters the kitchen through a narrow void right above it. Small perforation in the kitchen walls connect the sitting and dining rooms, offering different views and light.

Very Low Energy House Halle / HASA - Architecten - Windows, Handrail, Beam — © Tim Van de Velde

On the first floor, a similar floorplan allows for 2 bedrooms to be separated by a shower room. The latter connects to the void above the kitchen, receiving indirect daylight. A second bathroom is placed in the hall.

On the second floor a third bedroom with a roof terrace offers magnificent views on the fields. The technical room is located next to this bedroom.

The basement houses a workshop and a library, separated by a pantry. The workshop gets natural light through the adjacent staircase, the library is lit through the glass floor in the dining room.

Very Low Energy House Halle / HASA - Architecten - Windows, Bed, Bedroom — © Tim Van de Velde

Interior finishes, fixed furnishings and light fixtures are designed to enhance the spaciousness of the house. Natural materials, developing a patina over the years, give a soft touch to the clean architectural lines.