It is rare to find a traditional brick residence that feels both rooted in history and ready for contemporary living, but the Johannes House Extension in Belgium achieves just that. MADAM architectuur approached the renovation with respect for the home’s original character while introducing a bright, modern interior that meets today’s lifestyle needs. The weathered brick façade remains a defining feature, harmonizing with the surrounding green fields and preserving the house’s timeless presence.
Adjacent to the original brick house sits a contemporary extension clad in light brick and glass. Large windows and sliding doors open the new volume to uninterrupted views of the landscape, bringing natural light deep into the living spaces. The design does not attempt to disguise the contrast between old and new; instead, it celebrates the dialogue between eras, using the juxtaposition to create a visually striking composition that also improves the home’s functionality.
Inside, white surfaces dominate, creating a fresh and airy atmosphere. The renovation introduced a new kitchen, dining area and bathroom that complement the existing living room and bedroom while maintaining visual continuity throughout the home. Wood finishes and subtle textures warm the predominantly white palette, and careful placement of large-format glazing frames the countryside vistas, making the landscape an integral part of daily life.
The architects created a compact, efficient plan by repeating a simple module: each level is organized around four equal squares. This geometric clarity was extended into a new concrete volume positioned next to the house. That volume is partially sunk into the slope of the site, which not only lowers the profile of the extension but also generates an enclosed rear yard. This subtle intervention preserves the character of the original home while adding a calm, sheltered outdoor space.
Privacy and connection to the landscape are balanced through material choices and detailing. A warm wood screen provides privacy for the extension without severing the visual link to the fields. Where the new and old meet, careful detailing allows the weathered brick of the original house to remain a prominent, unifying element. This sensitive preservation enhances the property’s timeless appeal while the extension brings clarity and efficiency to the layout.
The plan of each level consists of four equal squares. These were repeated in a new concrete volume that was built next to the house. The new volume is half-sunk into the hill so an enclosed yard at the back of the house is created.
Throughout the project, the architects focused on clarity, restraint and respect for the original building. The half-sunk extension reads as a modest, contemporary insertion that amplifies the qualities of the old house: light, landscape and lived-in materials. Together, the preserved brick core and the new, restrained volume create a residence that is both rooted and contemporary—an example of how thoughtful renovation can extend the life and enjoyment of a traditional home.
The Johannes House Extension demonstrates how careful adaptation—retaining the original brickwork while inserting a contemporary, light-filled extension—can revitalize an older home without erasing its history. Photography by Olmo Peeters documents a project that finds balance between preservation and modern living, and that celebrates both the patina of the past and the comforts of thoughtful design.
