Georges Vandenbussche Houses

Architect Georges Vandenbussche Introduces Modernism To Post-War Belgium

Known as a "Kangaroo" house, this unique holiday home in Belgium is divided into two separate dwellings, each with the distinctive imprint of mid-century Belgian architect Georges Vandenbussche. Partner in the modernist architectural firm Konstrukto throughout the last half of the 20th century, the property is one of the last he completed before his retirement.

Built in 1994 it features the typical Konstrukto elements: flat roofs, a play on cleanly defined lines with a seamless sense of space, floor-to-ceiling windows, and unique handcrafted fixtures, with each house laid out on one level. 

Inspired by Neutra's sunny SoCal dwellings of the last century, Vandenbussche was at the forefront of modernism in Belgium and included many elements and examples rarely seen in the country up to that point. He explained once that, “I wanted something timeless,"  while ushering in a new era in design for post-war Belgium.

Located just outside of Bruges in the hamlet of Jabbeke, the property is settled in a quiet residential area within a large and private green lot. The two units each feature spare simplicity and two distinct design themes.

The main house clearly displays the recognizable modernist characteristics as defined by Konstrukto, with a long flat roofline, cleanly partitioned rooms with slide-away doors that delineate the spaces, walls of glass that extend the indoor experience outwards, and crisp, simple aesthetics. 

Populated with a colorful and eclectic collection of furnishings by Cassina, Eames, Flos, Fritz Hanssen, and an art collection with paintings by local artists that tie the spaces together.

The studio is a newly created space above the downstairs area with a modern, Japanese-inspired motif and international design elements including Isamu Noguchi-lamps by Vitra, a Ligne Roset desk by Busetti - Garuti - Redaelli, Fritz Hansen, and Gubi Nagasaki chairs, and additional furnishings and decor by Objekte Unsere Tage and Kensaku Oshiro. Using elemental materials including wood and marble, the space is illuminated from above with large skylights that limit direct sun in summer.

The house is shaped in a U around the sheltered gardens, with an expanse of simply landscaped grassy areas and a pool that is open in the summer months.

BELGIUM'S MOST PICTURESQUE CITY, COUNTRYSIDE, AND COASTLINE

One of northern Europe's most picturesque and well-preserved medieval cities, the UNESCO designated Bruges in West Flanders is compact and beautifully laid out for exploring the atmospheric medieval center and network of canals. 

A thriving harbor and merchant town, the canals link the many market squares and the sea, with almost the entire historic core of the city remaining visually unchanged for centuries. Check out the Neo-Gothic beauty of Burg square and the Markt square featuring the magnificent 13th-century belfry tower with a 47-bell carillon. 

The maze of cobblestone lanes and squares are great for strolling and sampling the vibrant foodie and brewery scene, with ancient marketplaces to browse for local eats, arts, and treasures. 

Just a half-hour to the beautiful North Sea coastal areas, nearby Ostend has been one of the most popular seaside resorts and spa towns for a hundred years, with tourists flocking to the Summer sun on several popular beaches including Mariakerke and Raversijde while twenty minutes north is the main harbor and resort of Zeebrugge where you'll find a bustling seafront and fishing culture.

The wild, dune-laden coastline is also part of the Zwin Nature Park, which stretches for miles north to the Dutch border and is a nature lover's paradise for hiking, bird-watching, and catching the E34 Bike route.

LOCATION

Jabbeke, Flanders, Belgium. Nearest Airport: Ostend-Bruges International Airport (20km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall