Graux & Baeyens has design House B-L in Destelbergen, Belgium.

This project is a personal one to architect Basile of Graux & Baeyens – where the "B" in House B-L comes in – who, along with his wife, fell in love with a 1965 chalet-style house in Destelbergen.

By very consciously preserving the existing shell and roof structure, an important decision was already taken in terms of sustainability.

The DNA of the existing structure remained intact – thus, over 95% of the original structure was preserved. The low ceilings, original window openings and small doors contribute to the intimate atmosphere of the rooms.

"Materials are precious and what is intrinsically good deserves to be preserved," said Basile. "The shape, window openings and basic structure are the same but through minimal internal interventions and a new shell around it, the house gets a whole new flow and appearance that fill the needs for decades to come."

This project has been longlisted in the residential rebirth project category of Dezeen Awards 2022.

Designer: Graux & Baeyens Archietcten

Project: House B-L