Dream and Maze
On a narrow plot in Belgium sits the lovely minimalist dwelling called House DZ. Designed by Belgian architecture firm Graux & Baeyens, House DZ appears as a collection of square white blocks stacked two stories high. The choice to use the cube form was as much a functional choice as an aesthetic one. According to Graux & Baeyens:
The shifting rooms define and separate the different spaces without actually creating physical divisions. Each space is visually connected but has its own atmosphere due to the location of the windows and shifting of the blocks.Each block is carefully placed according to the program of the space and it’s relationship with the exterior world. Taken into account were matters such as the views of the surrounding landscape, the natural light each area would receive, and the privacy of the rooms in close proximity to neighbours. The result is a cohesive volume defined by rhyme and reason.
The interior of House DZ is also greatly benefited from the home’s unique structure. The cubes allow for a varying floor plan, separating the living spaces while eliminating the need for dividing walls. Each space is enhanced with framed views of the landscape and outdoor terraces. The simple polished concrete floors and white walls allow the focus to remain on the architecture.
House DZ proves that unique architecture can be as functional as it is beautiful, and more importantly, an inspiring habitat in which to reside.
