If there was ever a perfect bachelor pad in the world, this would be it. It’s a residence located in Belgium, designed by Govaert & Vanhouette Architects. The house is basically just a simple concrete shell that offers everything a bachelor needs to feel awesome. The project was completed in 2016 and occupies a site measuring 809 square meters in total.
View in galleryThe residence is situated on a river shore with direct views towards the waterView in galleryThe proximity to the river sets a very casual and laid back atmosphere which usually defines vacation homesView in galleryThe structure is facing a garden on the other side, being surrounded by freshnessView in galleryThe architecture of the house is simple, being based on a concrete shell
This concrete shell may not look like much but wait till you see all the extraordinary things it offers, like this outdoor pool, some really stylish living spaces, cozy bedroom suites and even a basement entertainment area. The whole idea at the base of the project was to create something that perfectly suits the owner’s lifestyle. The result was this sculptural pad.
View in galleryThe property has two structures, a large one and a smaller volumeView in galleryThe two structures are connected by the swimming poolView in galleryThe transition towards the river is made through a green lawn areaView in galleryA large portion of the ground floor volume is glazed and opened towards the surroundingsView in galleryFull height glass windows and sliding doors connect the living spaces to the poolside area
The residence has two floors above ground and a basement level below. The spaces are organized into two volumes. One is a long and horizontal structure that contains all the ground floor spaces. Together they form the day area and they also include the pool house and the poolside area.
View in galleryThe pool area and its adjacent lounge spaces extend the social volume outdoorsView in galleryThe deck facing the poolside lounge is covered and serves as an extension for the indoor spacesView in galleryThe overall design and architecture of the residence are simple and free of unnecessary constrainsView in galleryThe views are pretty amazing, especially when looking towards the river
The second volume is smaller and also made of concrete. It forms the upper level and it contains the master bedroom and its bathroom as well as two extra bedroom suites for guests. On top of them is a private terrace placed on the roof of the house.
View in galleryThe spaces facing the garden enjoy an open and bright ambiance and a seamless connection to the outdoorsView in galleryThe kitchen, dining and living spaces are connected and together form an open floor planView in galleryThe kitchen is minimalist to the point where it looks emptyView in galleryThe lighting in the dining area is wonderful, especially because of the sculptural pendants
The kitchen, dining space and living room form an open plan and offer views of the garden and the river which is very close to the house. In fact, the river is so close that the architects had to come up with a way to offer their client some privacy for the poolside area. The solution they came up with was to design a series of sliding panels which extend the pool house and which can completely hide the pool area from passing boats on the river.
View in galleryA live edge table serves as the focal point for the dining areaView in galleryThe live-edge table top is complemented by a set of simple black chairs and a few circular ceiling lampsView in galleryThe social volume has an L-shaped floor plan with the dining space being placed in the middleView in galleryThe lounge space is really cozy and inviting, being decorated in neutral and earthy tones
The front facade of the residence faces the river and features two entrance doors as well as a gate to the car elevator. Naturally, you’ll want to know what this is all about but we’ll get to that in a moment. For now we just want to mention that the first floor of the house is the night zone. It’s completely opened to the garden and curtains can offer privacy when needed.
View in galleryThere’s also a fireplace in the living room, directly across from the comfy sofaView in galleryThe bedrooms are placed on the upper level and they all have access to terracesView in galleryThe full-height windows that overlook the garden can be closed off with curtainsView in galleryThe en-suite bathrooms are minimalist but also sophisticated. This one has a walk-in shower
We’re now moving on to the basement which is the most interesting part of the whole house. This underground space contains things like a bar, a DJ booth, a pair of long and comfortable lounge benches, mood lighting, a cigar cabinet and an area for the owner’s exclusive cars.
The residence also has a basement level which can be accessed via a staircaseView in galleryDown here the decor is dark and all ready for the night lifeView in galleryA pair of benches frame the lounge space and feature built-in accent lighting underneath
There’s even a big window which offers a view of the pool but not from above. Since this an underground space, the window actually offers of the pool’s interior. Of course, as amazing and as unusual as this feature may be, the focal point would have to be the car exhibit which adds color to the space and attracts all the eyes.
View in galleryThe furniture is kept simple in order to maintain an open and spacious feel throughoutView in galleryA large window in the basement offers a view of the swimming pool’s interiorView in galleryA space adjacent to the lounge area serve as an exhibition room for exclusive cars
Having an underground garage for rare cars is definitely amazing and if you add to the fact that there’s basically also a night club down here, well you pretty much get a perfect recipe for the ideal bachelor pad.
View in galleryThe owner’s cars are put on display here and become a part of the interior decor, adding color to the basementView in galleryThe effect the cars have on the interior design is quite dramatic and visually striking