A 1960s residence situated on the outskirts of Ghent has undergone a significant transformation, masterminded by the Kortrijk-based design firm, Decancq Vercruysse. This extensive refurbishment has breathed new life into the mid-century bungalow, Sint-Martens-Latem, nestled within a serene woodland environment. While preserving the external character of the dwelling, the interior has been entirely reimagined, featuring a revamped floor plan, a repositioned entry, and contemporary interior aesthetics and furnishings. The project successfully marries the historical integrity of the architecture with the demands of modern family living, creating a harmonious and functional space.
Emiel Vercruysse, co-founder of Decancq Vercruysse, explained the scale of the undertaking, noting that despite the sound structural foundation, nearly every other aspect required modernization. The process involved stripping the interior back to its fundamental structural elements before rebuilding. Designed for a family with two young children, the single-story property is intelligently divided into distinct areas: one wing dedicated to shared family spaces for living, cooking, and dining, and the other housing private bedrooms and bathing facilities. This thoughtful division ensures both communal interaction and individual privacy.
A key design element is the open-plan integration of the previously separate kitchen, living, and dining areas. This expansive space is unified by a prominent central fireplace, which acts as a focal point. Its white-painted brick chimney breast cantilevers in three directions, adding a sculptural quality to the room. The original entrance, located on the garden side, was relocated to the opposite facade. This strategic change enhances the family's seclusion, establishing a new and more private entry sequence on the woodland side, accessed via large, aesthetically pleasing stepping stones.
Internally, this new entry configuration naturally delineates the two wings of the house, creating a seamless transition. The former entrance lobby has been creatively repurposed into a adaptable workspace or play area, equipped with a large fold-down desk that allows for easy conversion between functions. Vercruysse emphasized the importance of a smooth progression between the home's public and private zones, particularly in a bungalow layout, with the multifunctional office space serving as a crucial intermediary between the living areas and the private sleeping quarters.
The updated layout also provides the family with three bedrooms, including a luxurious main suite complete with its own spacious bathroom. This en-suite bathroom boasts a fully glazed wall, offering expansive views of the surrounding woods, further connecting the interior with its natural setting. The interior design, though distinctly contemporary, draws inspiration from the original architectural details, employing forms and materials that ensure a cohesive blend of old and new. White-painted brickwork, consistent with the exterior, unifies the aesthetic, while custom-made cabinetry features afrormosia wood veneer, a dark-toned timber reminiscent of teak.
Vercruysse highlighted the use of a subtle sheen on the wood finishes, a nod to 1960s design techniques, which imparts an air of sophistication. Different flooring materials, including square stone tiles and carpeting, are strategically used to delineate various zones within the home, adding texture and visual interest. Stainless steel accents in the kitchen and bathrooms complement the wood elements, with notable features such as matching 1960s-inspired basin units and floating shelves in the dining room and en-suite. A decorative "hat" was also added to one of the chimneys, augmenting its sculptural presence.
Decancq Vercruysse, celebrating its fifth anniversary, proudly presents Bungalow Sint-Martens-Latem as one of its recently completed projects. The studio's commitment to thoughtful renovation is further exemplified by Vercruysse's personal mid-century home renovation in Kortrijk, which features oak paneling, birch joinery, and a patinated stainless-steel fireplace, showcasing their expertise in revitalizing historical properties for modern living.