Guest
Step inside JUMA Architects founders and directors Mathieu Luyens and Julie Van De Keere’s family home in Sint-Martens-Latem, Belgium. “Sint-Martens-Latem is one of the most coveted villages in Belgium,” Mathieu says, “not only because of its green environment but because it’s a creative village.” It’s here Mathieu and Julie conceptualised their brick home, where they live with their two daughters and feline friend Cookie. It’s also where you’ll find their adjoining studio – all built around ‘unique and irreplaceable trees’. A long driveway bordered by old leafy trees leads to three connected brick volumes; a double garage, the architects’ office and Mathieu and Julie’s family home. While they all share the same material palette, the buildings differ in size and form. “It’s always been a really special place because I grew up here,” Julie says. “That’s why the ideas of what we wanted to do came really fast because I was so familiar with the surroundings here.” Julie and Mathieu were met with the challenge of a ‘far from ideal’ orientation when designing their home. They approached it with the same penchant for drawn-out and low forms as in other projects, leading to an elongated floor plan. “The house isn’t the biggest house you have ever seen, but it is used very intensively,” Matthieu says. The master bedroom with walk-in-wardrobe and ensuite are kept as a separate suite on the first floor, while every other space, including the children’s bedrooms, are located on the ground floor. The kitchen is the heart of the home – a crossroad that connects all of the communal spaces. “It was important that the floor needed to be the same as the countertop and the countertop needed to be resistant enough to be able to cook,” Matthieu says. “We like the fact that you can use the stone-filled and not filled,” he adds. “This gives a different dynamic.” Mathieu attributes the home’s relaxing atmosphere to the material palette. “I think it was important to show you can combine a lot of different materials, even if the different spaces are very close,” he says. An example the architect cites is the master bedroom, walk-in robe and ensuite situated on the first floor. “Because those are the only rooms on the first floor and because of the materials and colours, this floor feels like a hotel suite,” he says. On the other hand, when seeking to recharge with family and friends, you’ll find Mathieu and Julie in the kitchen that connects to the outdoor pool area. “Living here for a few years now, I just think I don’t want to change anything – I’m very happy with the way it is,” Matthieu says, with Julie adding, “It looks like the house has always been here…like it really belongs to its surroundings.” Published and produced by Miffy Coady | Filmed and edited by Dan Preston for est living Film project manager: Lidia Boniwell | Film assistant: Jack Seedsman | Editor: Sophie Lewis | Words by Sophie Lewis Read the full feature on : Location: East Flanders, Belgium Design: JUMA Architects Stay in touch with est: Visit our website - Read our latest digital issue of est Magazine - Your daily dose of design on Instagram - Join the conversation on Facebook - See what we're pinning on Pinterest - Be inspired on TikTok - @ Connect with us on LinkedIn - Experience est in sound on Spotify - #architecture #interiordesign #hometour #homedesign #eclectichome #belgium
