Continuous landscape

The mirrored volume designed by Atelier Vens Vanbelle continues the surrounding reality of trees and slopes, making this law office in Horebeke, Belgium, disappear into nothing, like a fluid.

The original notary office, which interacts with its surroundings in a very specific way, was put into use only five years ago.

Thus it was a mental struggle to respond to the request for an extension. Well conceived design does not tolerate continuation or copy, so a radically different approach was needed. On a six-month period an abstract mirror box on a black base rose along the street. A transparent passageway between these two volumes replaces the former entrance of the building.

The extension is not only physically, but also visually connected with the existing office. By hemming the windows with a white line, just as in the original building, the idea of connection is created within a predominantly contrasting concept. The simple and repetitive nature of the wooden construction in Oregon Pine contrasts with the solid brick main volume. But the powerful reflective facade surpasses all these thoughtful touches.

The refined details are needed to let the volume radiate tranquility and to blend into the surrounding landscape. The mirrored volume continues the surrounding reality of trees and slopes. The slight swarm in the stainless steel cladding makes the design disappear into nothing, like a fluid. This alienating effect also ensures that the expression of the original building will remain.