Every now and then, clients come to us, with the appeal to our craft as architects, they ask us for the ability to translate their dreams into architecture, that finds inspiration in local traditions, sober materials and embedded in the local context.

Such is the case with a family from the peaceful Brabant village of Haaren, who want to build a home to grow old in, with a B&B in the annex, which they can let to tourists. They find inspiration in the humble brick architecture of the Bossche School style. We have taken on the challenge to translate their wishes into a design that respects but also responds to the brief, by combining the more traditional elements, with values that we stand for, such as the flexibility to change functions in the house, as people grow older and get different needs. Thus introducing sustainability from a different perspective.

The compact main volume with a gabled roof and dormers, is the family home, which represents sturdy an durable brick architecture traditions to provide shelter and comfort and follow the rhythm of the other houses in the street. The back building is light, transparant and flexible in functions and designed with wooden structures and glass. The covered walkway and garden walls embrace the courtyard garden, which is inspired by old monastery courtyards in the region.