There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

Located in a lush green area south of Brussels, this modern villa by Alexandru Patrichi Architects is designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, making the most of the terrain's slope and orientation.

The two-story residence, featuring a partially subterranean basement, caters to the lifestyle needs of a young family with four children. Characterized by its clean, structured lines, the villa offers living spaces that blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature. Its design employs a minimalist play of volumes, reflecting their interior functions while reinforcing the house’s contemporary aesthetic. The resulting spatial configuration creates a fluid plan governed by a clear functional hierarchy.

On the ground floor, the daytime living areas are oriented to provide direct views of the garden, while circulation spaces and amenities are subtly positioned in a secondary plan. This layout logic extends to the upper level, which accommodates the private sleeping quarters. The facades, more closed to the north, gradually open towards the south, maximizing light and views. Below ground, the basement houses multifunctional spaces and technical areas.

Terraces, conceived as extensions of the indoor spaces, bring movement to the façades, while large window openings frame panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, establishing a constant visual connection between the interior and the carefully curated garden.

The villa’s stone façade, with its horizontal lines and uniformity, emphasizes integration into the landscape, enhancing the architectural sobriety and creating an atmosphere of calmness. Inside, the soft, welcoming interiors contrast with the monolithic exterior, reflecting the vibrant energy of the young owners. The interplay of wood and concrete flooring, paired with the serene white plaster walls, evokes a sense of tranquility. Custom-made furniture in wood and stone adds refined accents throughout the residence, enriching the overall experience.

We have chosen the Living Places category for M&E’s Residence because this project is centered on the concept of home as an evolving and deeply personal space—one that is both reflective of its occupants and rooted in its natural surroundings. At the core of this residence is the pursuit of a refined simplicity that enhances daily life, creating an architecture that adapts to the rhythms of living, while offering moments of calm and reflection.

M&E’s Residence is designed as a sanctuary, embracing the family’s desire for privacy, comfort, and connection to nature. The house unfolds through a series of minimalist volumes, arranged to create intimate courtyards and generous openings that blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors. Natural light, materiality, and tactility play a central role, with carefully selected materials like stone, timber, and concrete forming the foundation of the project’s aesthetic—quiet, yet rich in texture.

The Living Places category emphasizes architecture that supports human experience. This residence responds by offering spatial clarity, functionality, and adaptability. The layout of the living areas foster connection, while the private wings allow for retreat and personal reflection, creating a balance that meets the dynamic needs of the family. Each space is defined by its relationship to the landscape, creating an ever-present connection to nature and reinforcing the home’s role as a place of refuge.

This project embodies the philosophy of living places by blending timeless design with the specificity of its context and the evolving lives of its inhabitants. M&E’s Residence is not just a house; it is a lived experience—crafted with the intention of improving everyday life through thoughtful design, material restraint, and a profound relationship with its environment.