Vantieghem Talebi's Timber 'House of Cards' Reinterprets Domestic Archetype in Belgium
In Belgium, the architectural firm Vantieghem Talebi, headed by Paul Vantieghem and Raha Talebi, has finalized the construction of 'House of Cards.' This three-story residence, featuring timber cladding, boasts sharply angled roofs inspired by the card game of constructing pitched-roof houses. Built on existing foundations due to zoning regulations, the design utilizes slender Douglas-fir battens for a clean aesthetic. The cruciform layout enhances volume, echoing traditional beach houses. On-site assembly of prefabricated CLT panels was efficient. Each of the four bays includes a room with ceilings that extend to the eaves, referred to as 'pitched chapels.' The 265 sqm interior is free of columns, showcasing a floating staircase and a revitalized landscape. Vantieghem has prior experience with Stéphane Beel Architects and Herzog & de Meuron.
Key facts
- Vantieghem Talebi designed a family house in Belgium called 'House of Cards'.
- The design is inspired by the parlour game of constructing pitched-roof houses from playing cards.
- The house is clad in Douglas-fir battens and uses prefabricated CLT panels assembled in days.
- It was built on existing foundations within zoning restrictions that limited volume and height.
- The cruciform structure maximises the envelope and evokes historic beach houses.
- Each of the four bays forms a 'pitched chapel' with ceilings reaching into the eaves.
- The 265 sqm interior is column-free, with a suspended floating staircase and glass banister.
- The practice is based in Venice Beach, California and Basel, Switzerland, and its principals previously worked at Herzog & de Meuron and FOA.
Entities
Artists
- Paul Vantieghem
- Raha Talebi
- Stéphane Beel
- Jonathan Bell
- Christina Vergopoulou
Institutions
- Vantieghem Talebi
- Stéphane Beel Architects
- Herzog & de Meuron
- Tate Modern
- M+ Museum
- Powerhouse Arts
- FOA
- Wallpaper*
- Util Struktuurstudies
- Timberframing
- ESP-Projects
- designboom
Locations
- Belgium
- Venice Beach
- California
- United States
- Basel
- Switzerland
- London
- United Kingdom
- Hong Kong
- New York
- Koksijde