https://www.architecturalrecord.com/rss/1952 en-us Bruges may be best known for its centuries-old stepped-gable structures edging cobblestoned streets and narrow canals, and for its urban squares enclosed by idiosyncratic Gothic and Flemish Renaissance buildings.

]]> house-roces.asp Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/8802-house-roces On the narrow slice of property, Benny Govaert inserted a 14-foot-high glass rectangular house for himself and his family. House RocesGovaert and Vanhoutte ArchitectsBruges, BelgiumOn the narrow slice of property, Benny Govaert inserted a 14-foot-high glass rectangular house for himself and his family.Photo © Tim Van de Velde At the front of the house a large glass panel, 13.5 feet high, pivots open to allow access to the outdoors. House RocesGovaert and Vanhoutte ArchitectsBruges, BelgiumAt the front of the house a large glass panel, 13.5 feet high, pivots open to allow access to the outdoors.Photo © Tim Van de Velde The two levels of the bedroom wing at the rear of the house step back to make room for a 7.5-foot-wide lap pool, of which 4.5 feet is covered by the pavement. House RocesGovaert and Vanhoutte ArchitectsBruges, BelgiumThe two levels of the bedroom wing at the rear of the house step back to make room for a 7.5-foot-wide lap pool, of which 4.5 feet is covered by the pavement.Photo © Tim Van de Velde The concrete chimney wall of the living area is suspended over the hearth. A ramp on the northeast side of the house leads up to the second-level bedrooms for the son and daughter. House RocesGovaert and Vanhoutte ArchitectsBruges, BelgiumThe concrete chimney wall of the living area is suspended over the hearth. A ramp on the northeast side of the house leads up to the second-level bedrooms for the son and daughter.Photo © Tim Van de Velde The driveway leading to the garage below ground is carved out of the rectilinear volume on the street side of the house. House RocesGovaert and Vanhoutte ArchitectsBruges, BelgiumThe driveway leading to the garage below ground is carved out of the rectilinear volume on the street side of the house.Photo © Tim Van de Velde From the living area cantilevered metal treads lead down to the lower-level family room. The soffit under the second-level bedrooms belies the fact that the room soars to a 21-foot height. House RocesGovaert and Vanhoutte ArchitectsBruges, BelgiumFrom the living area cantilevered metal treads lead down to the lower-level family room. The soffit under the second-level bedrooms belies the fact that the room soars to a 21-foot height.Photo © Tim Van de Velde The elongated kitchen faces directly onto the tree-studded lawn. House RocesGovaert and Vanhoutte ArchitectsBruges, BelgiumThe elongated kitchen faces directly onto the tree-studded lawn. Photo © Tim Van de Velde For the front door, Govaert cut out a panel in the back of the wood wall from which the glazed living spaces are extruded. The door opens onto a glazed bridge overlooking the driveway. House RocesGovaert and Vanhoutte ArchitectsBruges, BelgiumFor the front door, Govaert cut out a panel in the back of the wood wall from which the glazed living spaces are extruded. The door opens onto a glazed bridge overlooking the driveway.Photo © Tim Van de Velde Another incision in the rectangle accommodates the long lap pool by the bedroom wing. House RocesGovaert and Vanhoutte ArchitectsBruges, BelgiumAnother incision in the rectangle accommodates the long lap pool by the bedroom wing.Photo © Tim Van de Velde Historic downtown Bruges. House RocesGovaert and Vanhoutte ArchitectsBruges, BelgiumHistoric downtown Bruges.Photo by Suzanne Stephens Entrance vestibule looking over driveway. House RocesGovaert and Vanhoutte ArchitectsBruges, BelgiumEntrance vestibule looking over driveway.Photo by Suzanne Stephens View of suspended fireplace wall from the family room. House RocesGovaert and Vanhoutte ArchitectsBruges, BelgiumView of suspended fireplace wall from the family room.Photo by Suzanne Stephens House Roces House RocesGovaert and Vanhoutte ArchitectsBruges, BelgiumImage courtesy Govaert and Vanhoutte House Roces House RocesGovaert and Vanhoutte ArchitectsBruges, BelgiumImage courtesy Govaert and VanhoutteHouse RocesGovaert and Vanhoutte ArchitectsBruges, BelgiumImage courtesy Govaert and Vanhoutte