Out of their conviction not to carve out new land, a rest and art-loving couple bought up a dilapidated single-family home with an adjoining orchard in Dikkelvenne. The building zone is located in the corner of the lot, is 90 cm lower than the adjacent street and overlooks the protected landscape of a hill dominated by a ruined stone mill.

Without affecting the surrounding landscape, we design this retreat house from the height difference and spare a square stone platform of 9 x 9 m. Each side is divided into 5 modules and externalized by beams and columns cast on site. In the southeast corner, a concrete stairwell connects the entrance assembly to the ground floor living areas and a second floor studio. Whereas the ground floor focuses on the orchard and the spaces are divided between themselves by light walls and furniture, the studio and its walled roof terrace form a massive and introverted counterpoint to everyday life. The other-worldly character of the studio is additionally enhanced by the sophisticated roof structure and the gable-wide north facing window that provides light and air to the whole. The result is a robust and compact studio house that can be itself without being overbearing