Project: Jach’s House
Architecture: Crahayjamaigne Architectes
Location: Malmedy, Belgium
Year: 2022
Photo Credits: Crahayjamaigne Architectes
Designed by Crahayjamaigne Architectes, Jach’s House is a bioclimatic extension that seamlessly integrates into its forest surroundings. This innovative 7-meter cube demonstrates adaptability and sustainability while respecting its natural environment.
A Flexible and Adaptable Design
The extension’s current program features a bedroom and bathroom connected to the ground floor of the existing home, along with a multipurpose space that opens to the forest. This configuration is intentionally flexible, allowing for short-, medium-, and long-term adaptations:
- Independent Housing: The multipurpose space can be transformed into a living room, creating an independent dwelling connected to the existing house.
- Intergenerational Cohousing: The multipurpose space can also serve as a small studio, enabling the extension to function as part of a multigenerational living arrangement.
The volume is accessible either through the existing house or independently via an outdoor entrance, further enhancing its versatility.
Aesthetic and Environmental Integration
The extension is clad in Corten steel, which harmonizes with the natural colors of the forest and the stone covering of the original house. Its green roof not only enhances thermal insulation but also blends seamlessly with the surrounding greenery. Additionally, a glass walkway connects the extension to the main house, creating a light and transparent link that preserves the visual and environmental flow of the site.
Preserving the Natural Landscape
One of the project’s defining principles is its respect for the forest environment. The surrounding undergrowth is left wild, ensuring minimal disruption to the natural landscape. This approach highlights the architects’ commitment to sustainable and context-sensitive design.
A Testament to Sustainable Living
Jach’s House by Crahayjamaigne Architectes exemplifies how architecture can coexist harmoniously with nature. Its bioclimatic design, flexible configuration, and eco-friendly materials make it a model for sustainable living. By blending innovation with respect for the environment, this project offers a thoughtful response to contemporary housing needs while embracing the beauty of its forest setting.
