Harmony as a Work Philosophy

Since I can remember, I have sought a certain form of harmony in many aspects of life. The act of seeking has become an approach to everything I undertake. In architecture, I strive for harmony in the renovations I undertake. There are, of course, many constraints that come into play, but the approach is always the same: trying to do the “right” thing. Yes, for me, harmony today means doing the right thing.

The Challenge of Renovation

For example, a family contacted me to help them choose between two options: selling their property and moving out of Brussels to live in a bigger place, or reviewing their house to adapt it to their additional needs. The Covid crisis made it necessary to integrate an office function within the home, the need to accommodate family living abroad, and the desire to stay in the city in suitable conditions to raise children and be able to work were all considerations to take into account.

The Solution: Extension and Reorganization

The small annex was therefore completely demolished and rebuilt, increasing the total area of the house by only 38m². The ground floor now houses a new, larger kitchen with a breakfast nook, allowing for an expanded living space. In the basement, the creation of an additional bedroom met the two basic requirements.

The Results: A New Harmony

In sum, these 38m² allowed us to meet the client’s request and do the “right” thing. Enduring heavy work and living for a year in difficult conditions (dust, noise, etc.) proved to be the most appropriate and harmonious solution for the family, enabling them to stay in the city and keep their children in their schools.

Harmony at the Heart of the Project

Harmony in this project manifested in several ways: the chosen approach, the integration of the annex with the existing building and the neighboring building, the human attitude of the client, and the synergy between the client, architect, and contractor. At the end of the process, we all felt the harmony, the conviction that we had done the “right” thing.

Conclusion

This project is a testament to the importance of harmony in architecture. If you are considering a renovation and wish for an approach centered on harmony and balance, feel free to contact me to discuss your needs and projects.

Take a look at our project: S&D House extension in Brussels