Heifort House: A Timeless Retirement Home by Felt Architecture in Ghent

In the quiet suburbs of Ghent, Belgium, architectural studio Felt has unveiled an exceptional residential project, Heifort House, designed specifically for a retired couple. This thoughtfully crafted home, measuring 130 square meters, provides an ideal living space for aging in place, offering both accessibility and comfort for the long-term future. Heifort House stands as a perfect example of sustainable design, simplicity, and longevity, ensuring that its inhabitants can live comfortably and independently for many years.

The home is nestled within a structure resembling a barn, characterized by its expansive copper roof and a clean, open plan interior. The project’s focus is on creating a "home for life" that promotes ease of use, timeless comfort, and adaptability as the couple ages. This design philosophy is reflected in its one-story, level layout, with all spaces carefully considered to provide both functionality and aesthetic tranquility.

The Concept Behind Heifort House: A Home for Life

At the core of Heifort's design is the idea of creating a home that can evolve with its occupants. The team at Felt wanted to design a house that could cater to the couple's present needs while also adapting to any future changes as they age. As the architects explained: "The starting point was the concept of a house for life—a home that is calm, easy to understand, and spacious, but capable of evolving as its residents grow older."

This vision is reflected in every detail of the house, from its simple yet effective spatial organization to the choice of materials. The home emphasizes accessibility, with no stairs or complicated layouts. Each space has been meticulously planned to provide a sense of ease and comfort, promoting a lifestyle that encourages independence and well-being.

Design Features: Open and Inviting Spaces

One of the standout features of Heifort House is its spacious, open-plan living area. The design prioritizes natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere throughout the home. The central living room, which is connected to the dining and kitchen areas, offers a high, expansive ceiling that adds to the sense of openness. The exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls enhance the natural warmth of the interior while also providing structural clarity.

The living and sleeping areas are interconnected with more compact support zones, creating a rhythmic flow that makes the space feel both functional and harmonious. The architects at Felt describe this layout as having a "natural logic" that is easy to understand and comfortable to navigate, both now and in the future. 

Timeless Materials and Construction: CLT and Copper Roofing

The use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) plays a pivotal role in Heifort's design, not only in terms of its sustainability but also in creating a home with a clear and logical construction. The repeated use of CLT portal frames forms the backbone of the project, while the natural texture of the timber contrasts beautifully with the white-painted ceilings and external walls. This combination of materials creates a timeless aesthetic that aligns with the home’s focus on long-term livability.

The large, undulating copper roof adds another layer of significance to the design. Copper is known for its durability and ability to age gracefully, changing its appearance over time as it naturally patinas. This evolving aspect of the material reflects the house’s philosophy of adaptability—just as the copper roof changes over the years, the home can evolve to meet the needs of its occupants.

The roof, along with the large skylights, brings in ample natural light, creating a vibrant and pleasant living environment. The copper panels were chosen specifically for their ability to weather naturally, creating a harmonious blend between the home's modern design and the surrounding environment. 

Functional Layout: Seamless Connection to Nature

In line with the overall design philosophy, Heifort House also integrates its interior spaces with the outdoors. Large, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open up to a private garden, extending the living space into the natural surroundings. This seamless connection to nature not only enhances the beauty of the home but also promotes a sense of peace and tranquility.

The exterior, facing the street, is intentionally kept simple and modest, allowing the house to blend naturally into the neighborhood. However, at the rear of the house, the large glass doors lead to a terrace, where the couple can relax and enjoy their garden. A small seating area overlooks the lush green lawn and surrounding plants, offering a perfect place to unwind and engage with nature.

The presence of natural materials in the exterior, such as wood and copper, also creates a harmonious balance between the house and its environment, ensuring that it doesn’t overpower the surrounding landscape. 

Personalized Spaces for the Future: Loft and Guest Room

In addition to the primary living spaces, Heifort includes a versatile loft area designed for visiting family members, particularly grandchildren. This space is accessed by a striking spiral staircase painted in a soft blue, adding a touch of color and whimsy to the home. The loft, located beneath the expansive copper roof, can serve as a guest room for visiting relatives or as a quiet retreat when the couple desires solitude.

The spiral staircase is a beautiful design element that blends function with form, contributing to the home’s aesthetic appeal while maintaining practicality. This element also demonstrates how even smaller spaces can be creatively incorporated into a larger design, providing flexibility for future use. 

Creating a Comfortable Future: Thoughtful Design Choices

The overall design of Heifort House demonstrates a strong commitment to comfort, accessibility, and longevity. Every decision made during the design process was tested for daily use, long-term comfort, and the peacefulness of the living space. By focusing on simplicity, durability, and functionality, the architects at Felt have ensured that this home will continue to serve the couple for many years to come, providing both physical and emotional comfort.

As Felt explains, "This project prioritizes precision over excess. Every decision has been tested for daily use, long-term comfort, and tranquility." 

Sustainability and Future-Ready Design

Sustainability is a key factor in the design of Heifort House. The use of cross-laminated timber (CLT), a sustainable building material, ensures that the house is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. The copper roofing also contributes to sustainability by offering durability and a low-maintenance exterior that will naturally weather over time. These design choices align with the growing demand for eco-friendly, sustainable homes that are not only functional but also minimize environmental impact.

Moreover, the integration of large windows, skylights, and open spaces reduces the need for artificial lighting and promotes passive heating and cooling, further enhancing the home's energy efficiency. 

Conclusion: A Home for Life in Ghent

Heifort House is a prime example of how architecture can respond to the needs of aging residents while maintaining a focus on beauty, functionality, and sustainability. Designed with a deep understanding of how the needs of its occupants will change over time, the home provides a calm and adaptable environment that will serve its owners well into their later years.

The integration of cross-laminated timber, the copper roof, and the carefully considered floor plan all contribute to making Heifort House a truly timeless retirement home. With a focus on simplicity, durability, and connection to nature, this project stands as a testament to the future of retirement housing in Belgium—and beyond.