vh. Residence is a minimal home located in Bruges, Belgium, designed by Simon de Burbure Architects. Simon de Burbure faced a daunting task when he was tasked with renovating a 16th century manor house located in the historic center of Bruges, Belgium. Out of several presentations by different architects, de Burbure was chosen for his classic yet visionary approach, as evidenced by a simple hand-sketched drawing of the building façade. The challenge was immense, as the property consisted of three 400-year-old houses merged in the 18th century, which had not been renovated since 1880. In addition, the city of Bruges is listed as a Unesco World Heritage site, meaning that strict heritage regulations were in place. The renovation project turned out to be an almost partial reconstruction with an extension, taking much longer than initially planned, from mid-2019 to early 2023.

De Burbure chose to look for inspiration and answers within the obstructions, expanding his own skillset during the process. He found ways to weave modern technology into the old building, such as ventilation, floor heating, home automation, and lighting integrated between old, beamed ceilings, moldings, and more. The VH Residence is situated in the central part of Bruges, nestled among identical historical architecture with well-preserved textbook examples of brick gothic style. While it doesn’t demand much attention from the street side, once one opens the main doorway, its richness in materials and detailing is instantly noticeable. Deep dark-green Verde Patricia marble borders catch the eye and lead them throughout the ancient carriageway, now fully renovated entrance hall, into the lush green garden ten meters in.

A total of 2,100 square meters of living space is spread out over three floors, a combination of original spaces as well as two newly built structures, fully redesigned and restored by the architect and the plenteous hands of craftsmen who have offered this near ruin another chance. After stripping the old heritage monument, only three protected rooms have remained untouched. Everything else, including wooden paneling, ancient doors, ceilings including molding, stairs and floors, were dismantled and brought to a nearby workshop for thorough restoration during two years. The ground floor comprises an entrance hall, guest toilets, staircase to the first floor, two living rooms, kitchen, conservatory, spa and fitness area with swimming pool, and a garage.

The second floor comprises a master suite, bathroom and dressing room, two guest bedrooms with bathrooms, and a massage room. The third floor, the former attic space, is converted into a bar and billiard room. In addition, an intimate basement space gives room to a wine cellar. The 3,500 square meters enclosed garden features several terraces, open and covered, rebuilt ancient brick walls, towering old trees, alongside freshly planted flowers, bushes, and trees. Despite its grand size, the house exudes comfort and cosiness thanks to some design features repeated throughout the spaces, such as the roundedness of the built-in furniture, like marble sinks, the kitchen fireplace, and the master bathroom bathtub. Also, the structure has been given curved attributes, like the two new wings of the house and the format of the steam bath, which take up space and benefit in obtaining overall balanced proportions.