Notarishuys

Belgium

Architects: Govaert & Vanhoutte architects

Location: Belgium

Hotel “Notarishuys” is an expansion for an existing restaurant. The new building, conceived as a pavilion, holds a hotel containing 4 suites.

A 300 years old beech tree determines the atmosphere inside and outside throughout the season. Keeping and not harming this natural monument was vital to the design. Because of this, the building became linear, flanking the three. In order to apply a minimal impact on the surrounding, the whole building was placed 50cm beneath ground level.

A large part of the architecture is made out of glass, a transparency that allows all the light available to enter inside throughout the branches of the tree. An overall visibility of the garden remains and the architecture of the building disappears.

The presence of the building is reduced and merely defines spaces in terms of: in and out, in front of a wall, between a wall and glass, on one side of the inner (outer) space or the other, etc.

The inner space consist out of two wings which give access each to two suites. The centre consists out of a breakfast space and the access towards a common sauna. The suites are created around a central box that incorporates all technical requirements of the room and separates the sleeping zone from the open bathroom.