Picturesque minimalist transformation.
We are traveling today to Deurle, a small, picturesque village located near the River Lys in Belgium, considered one of the best residential areas. We have come to this village, in particular, to closely observe the transformation of a very peculiar villa, which is now the new headquarters for Glenn Sestig Architects. The charming concrete villa emerges as an architectural sculpture, subtly preserving its minimalist aesthetic.
OTIIMA’s sophisticated window frames, featuring self-supporting clear glass and slender profiles, allow for the seamless unification of exterior and interior, similar to the peaceful transition of past and future that architect Glenn Sestig achieved to honor.
Featured in ARK JOURNAL, this villa, originally designed by Ivan Van Mossevelde for an art collector, holds high sentimental and architectural value. The biggest challenge, thus, for architect Glenn Sestig was to preserve the values that had existed for 50 years since this villa was first designed.
Best recognized as Matthys-Colle House, it is also the first house in which architect Ivan Van Mossevelde used a circular construction and rough concrete formwork. The rounded corners and the window openings are the only elements that slightly break the massive volume.
Perhaps his most famous principle, “Less is more,” summarizes Mies’ approach to design: stripping away the unnecessary to reveal the essential. His buildings are characterized by clean lines, open floor plans, and an absence of ornamentation. This philosophy encourages architects to prioritize spatial clarity and material integrity, resulting in modern and enduring structures.
© Tomeu Canyellas
1. Heydar Aliyev Center – Zaha Hadid
1. Heydar Aliyev Center – Zaha Hadid
Today, the Matthys-Colle House, with its inviting symmetrical architecture, features a central patio and an indoor art gallery. The gallery is characterized by indirect light, a marble floor covering, clear glass frames with thin aluminum profiles that create a dramatic effect, and natural stone floors in soft shades of grey.
