House Pibo — A Semi‑Buried Home with a Green Roof in Maldegem, Belgium

There is a particular allure to living partially below ground that evokes mystery and a stronger connection to the landscape. House Pibo, located in Maldegem, Belgium, embraces this appeal while delivering a comfortable, modern home that both blends into its surroundings and opens outward where it matters most. Designed by OYO Architects, the house uses a semi‑buried design to separate public and private zones: an open plan living level sits just above ground, while the bedrooms and more intimate spaces are tucked into the lower, earth‑sheltered volume.

From the street the house hardly reveals its full scale: a gently sloping green roof and two pod‑like volumes rise above the lawn, signaling entry and light-filled public spaces while the rest of the residence remains embedded in the terrain. This landscape‑led approach gives the building a low visual profile and creates generous outdoor green space that appears to flow seamlessly across the roof.

To ensure long‑term performance under the planted roof, the exterior is wrapped in a waterproof rubber membrane that protects the living spaces from moisture and provides reliable drainage and insulation performance. This practical detail is essential for any earth‑covered structure and allows the interior to remain bright, dry and comfortable despite the home’s unique profile.

Inside, the public level is organized across two half‑levels. One half offers a Scandinavian‑inspired living area with clean lines and natural light, while the other half accommodates a contemporary kitchen and dining space set within a projecting volume that maximizes views and daylight. The split arrangement creates visual separation without closing off rooms, and the large windows ensure a constant dialogue between interior and landscape.

A staircase descends from the living area to the lower level where bedrooms, bathrooms and guest spaces are arranged. Although these private rooms are partially below grade, thoughtful planning and generous glazing bring daylight deep into the lower floor, reducing the sense of confinement that can occur in underground spaces. High‑quality insulation and airtight construction further maintain a comfortable indoor climate year‑round.

The interior palette mixes natural textures and pops of colour to create warmth and character. A bright yellow sofa and colourful dining chairs add playful accents to otherwise neutral spaces, while wood and stone elements introduce tactile contrast. These design choices help the interior feel cheerful and contemporary, reinforcing the home’s welcoming atmosphere despite its unconventional siting.

Planting on the roof includes a mix of grasses and flowering species chosen to remain attractive throughout the seasons, helping the house read as an extension of the garden rather than a distinct object. The resulting landscape‑architecture relationship both softens the building’s profile and supports biodiversity at the site.

The thoughtful combination of semi‑buried construction, a planted roof, careful waterproofing and ample glazing makes House Pibo a clear example of how architects can design comfortable, contemporary homes that respond to their environment. The result is a house that feels both sheltered and open — a modern residence rooted in its landscape.

Photography: Thomas De Bruyne