Atelier Vens Vanbelle took the architecture cliché of a home “blending in with its surroundings” as literally as they possibly could. The result is “Notariaat 2.0 – Continuous Landscape,” a renovated home in Horebeke, Belgium that uses mirrors to disappear, Predator-like, into the environment.
Click to see a larger image.
It reminds us of the Jung Gil-Young gallery by Yoon Space Design. In addition to the illusory trick of hiding a building in plain sight, both works dialogue with the outside world, framing a landscape on the facades of the buildings. In addition, the mirrored extension acts as a contrast to the existing building. Atelier Vens Vanbelle told ArchDaily:
On a six-month period an abstract mirror box on a black base rose along the street. A transparent passageway between these two volumes replaces the former entrance of the building.
The extension is not only physically, but also visually connected with the existing notary. By hemming the windows with a white line, just as in the original notary, the idea of connection is created within a predominantly contrasting concept.
The simple and repetitive nature of the wooden construction in Oregon Pine contrasts with the solid brick main volume. But the powerful reflective facade surpasses all these thoughtful touches.
The refined details are needed to let the volume radiate tranquility and to blend into the surrounding landscape. The mirrored volume continues the surrounding reality of trees and slopes.
Photographs courtesy of the studio. Click to see a larger image.
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