Dual Occupancy Terrace House in Brussels by Edouard Brunet + François Martens.

Looks can be deceiving. This may appear to be a typical terrace house in a densely packed area of Brussels but concealed within are two contemporary, light filled apartments by Edouard Brunet and François Martens. The Belgian architects collaborated for the first time to convert the building into two dwellings after the owners decided to sell the top two levels to a friend for his own separate flat. Brussels has one of the fastest growing populations of any European city and many people have embraced alternative ways of living to tackle the current housing pressures. And their solution to this? Simple, refined and totally pared back interventions that I am digging so hard!

Both apartments were reconfigured to enable dual dwellings on site and are cleverly separated by individual circulation paths. The first apartment’s living area and kitchen are located on the ground floor where it extends out towards the garden. A new super-sleek folded metal staircase leads to the bedrooms and main bathroom above. Indulge me here, but is that not one of the sexiest staircases you’ve ever encountered? Take a moment and marvel at the delicate profile and the way it hovers above the bamboo joinery plinth. Utter stair perfection!

The second apartment is visually contemporary and uncluttered. Due to the limited surface area of each floor, it was decided to tear down the rear part of the roof to create a terrace and a new cantilever space where the former staircase lead to the top floor. These changes enabled an upgrade to the living area with direct access to the terrace and a new kitchen with views to sky and Brussels’ skyline.

Bright birch cladding and crisp white walls form an excellent partnership here. The honeyed birch elements create a sense of warmth and lightness and also organise the spaces as a fluid piece of furniture that encase the kitchen, staircase, bathroom and storage volumes.

In addition to the dramatic push and pulls of form, it’s the finer interior details that I appreciate the most. In particular, the white panelised storage cabinets in the living space communicate so well with the panel divisions of the birch. And did you notice the sneakily-snug recessed light strips in the birch ceiling? Of course you did, because you’re an archi/design nerd like I am. From floor to ceiling, this apartment has been very well considered and while looks can be deceiving, it’s so rewarding when you discover such a gem hidden within.

[Images courtesy of Edouard Brunet + François Martens. Photography by Dennis De Smet.]