Located in Belgium near Flanders Fields, the historic World War I battlefield, Residence DBB is steeped in history. So, rather than effacing that historical specificity when refurbishing the home, Bruges-based Govaert & Vanhoutte Architects created a startling visual representation of the bifurcation between old and new.
The Residence DBB building has a sharp division that separates the historical facade of the main building from the architects' renovation. On the historical side, the facade is made from pale red brick and the roof is covered in traditional small terra cotta tiles. The renovated faced, on the other hand has walls of thin gray timber and a roof of the same material. These two sides abut one another directly, an abrupt and ironic reminder of the temporal distance between them.
Bifurcated Heritage Houses
Residence DBB is Physically Split Between the Old and the New
Trend Themes
1. Bifurcated Architecture - The trend of creating visually striking divisions between old and new architecture presents opportunities for innovative designs that emphasize historical and modern elements.
2. Historical Integration - The trend of integrating historical elements into modern renovations provides opportunities for architects to create unique spaces that pay homage to the past while embracing the future.
3. Temporal Contrast - The trend of contrasting historical facades with modern renovations allows for disruptive design possibilities that highlight the temporal distance between different eras.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - The architectural industry can leverage the trend of bifurcated heritage houses to create innovative designs that blend historical and modern elements seamlessly.
2. Renovation - The renovation industry can benefit from the trend of historical integration, as there is a growing demand for preserving and incorporating historical features into modern spaces.
3. Heritage Tourism - The heritage tourism industry can capitalize on the trend of temporal contrast in architectural designs to attract visitors seeking unique and visually striking experiences.