Z-Z

Located in a quiet street in Hoboken, Antwerp, this project transforms a small infill lot into a contemporary family home. The design responds to the site and the needs of a household with a teenage child, deliberately avoiding standard solutions.

The house is organized around three guiding principles. First, vertical circulation: a central staircase forms the spatial core, connecting all levels while preserving the maximum usable area of the living spaces. Second, the relationship between interior and exterior: daylight is optimized, and visual and physical connections to the garden enhance openness and spatial experience. Third, functional coherence: the layout is flexible and adaptable, supporting both current family life and future changes, including rental or evolving household needs.

A socio-spatial study informed the interior planning. Rather than analyzing the neighborhood, this research focuses on how spaces are used—how residents move, interact, or seek privacy. It ensures that circulation, living areas, work zones, and private rooms are logically connected, allowing spaces to serve multiple roles while maintaining comfort and privacy.

The house achieves a clear spatial balance between shared and private zones. Communal areas, such as the kitchen and living room, face the garden and benefit from daylight and openness. Private rooms, including bedrooms and bathrooms, are separated across the central void, with bathrooms acting as buffers for sound and privacy. The result is an intuitive interior with a strong spatial hierarchy, clear circulation, and a sense of calm and cohesion.