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A Modern, Copper-Clad House with an Archetypal Feel

GRAUX & BAEYENS architects designed this copper-clad dwelling, named House VDV, in Destelbergen, Belgium, right outside of the town of Ghent. The home sits on land that used to house a castle that was destroyed during WWII. Part of the surrounding wall remains standing giving the land a bit of history.

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While the home is obviously modern, there are moments that give you a familiar archetypal feel, with its pitched roof and barn-like structure.

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The single volume is irregularly shaped with large panels of glass breaking up the copper facade.

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On one end, you’ll notice the traditional shape of an outline of a house, which has been covered in glass panels.

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The copper isn’t treated so it will gradually age over time.

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Notched out sections of the structure that are covered in glass bringing light into the interior.

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A curvy white staircase greets visitors upon arrival creating a bold first impression. Upstairs houses the bedrooms that you access via this staircase.

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Each of the rooms is angular thanks to the irregular shape of the home, helping to give distinction to the various spaces.

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The interior utilizes plenty of white on the walls, floors, and ceilings, while also bringing in some lighter wood floors in certain areas. They also used a dark stain for accents.

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Photos by Filip Dujardin.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.