Imagine a home designed not just for today, but for a lifetime. That's the vision behind Heifort, a stunningly accessible residence crafted by Belgian architecture studio Felt for a retired couple in Ghent. But here's where it gets intriguing: this isn't your typical retirement home. It's a masterpiece of thoughtful design, prioritizing 'ageing-in-place' with a single-storey layout, level access, and a focus on adaptability. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about functionality; it's about creating a space that's both calming and inspiring, a true 'house for life'.
Spanning 130 square meters in Ghent's suburbs, Heifort is housed within a barn-like structure, its interior characterized by tall, open living spaces divided by exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls. Felt explains, 'The essence was to create a home that is calm, intuitive, and spacious, yet capable of evolving with its inhabitants.' This philosophy is evident in the seamless integration of living rooms and bedrooms with more compact, supportive areas, creating a natural flow that's both logical and comforting. A bold statement? The design prioritizes precision over excess, with every element meticulously tested for daily usability, long-term comfort, and spatial serenity.
Large, doorless portals connect the kitchen, dining, and living areas, while white-painted ceilings reveal the full roof ridge, adding to the sense of openness. Above, circular openings in the timber partition walls align with porthole-like windows in the gable ends, flooding the interiors with natural light, complemented by glass brickwork. The CLT structure, left exposed, provides a 'self-evident construction logic,' according to Felt. 'The repeated CLT portal frames are the project's backbone, offering a surprising longitudinal view through rounded openings,' they note. The natural spruce texture of the transverse CLT walls contrasts beautifully with the white-finished ceilings and exterior walls, while a polished concrete floor grounds the space, accented by thoughtfully chosen colors in the built-in joinery.
Here's a controversial take: while the street-facing facade is intentionally understated, the rear of the house opens dramatically to the garden via large sliding glass doors. A small patio with seating leads to a lawn and planters surrounding a tree, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. At the front, a cozy attic guest room, tucked beneath the large roof, is accessible via a powder blue spiral staircase that winds around an internal lamppost. The roof itself, clad in untreated copper panels, will naturally weather over time, adding character and warmth. These same panels are used on large dormers that bring morning and evening light into the living space.
Founded in 2014 by Jasper Stevens and Karel Verstraeten, Felt has made a name for itself with projects that blend functionality with artistic flair. Their recent update of a midcentury bungalow in Ghent, featuring an entrance 'tower' clad in blue ceramic tiles and rust-colored window frames, is another testament to their innovative approach. But what do you think? Does Heifort truly redefine the concept of a 'house for life'? Or is it just another example of modern architecture prioritizing aesthetics over practicality? Let us know in the comments—we'd love to hear your thoughts!
