House Y&A is a minimalist residence located in Mortsel, Belgium, designed by memo architectuur. The site, favorably oriented towards the southeast, features an urban garden with picturesque views of a nearby church, a serene walking park, and two majestic old beech trees, ensuring a sense of privacy from the rear. Originally comprising two separate apartments, the building was reimagined into a unified single-family dwelling. The renovation included the addition of an extra floor, which not only integrated seamlessly into the existing streetscape but also allowed for more efficient use of space, envisioning long-term habitation.
The initial renovation strategy, which aimed at preserving the primary load-bearing structures, evolved into a comprehensive makeover. Eventually, only the front facade and internal partition walls remained intact. A key objective of the redesign was to maximize natural light within the narrow confines of the structure. Measuring 4.75 meters in width and 16 meters in depth, special attention was given to illuminating the previously dark central section of the house. A pivotal modification was the relocation of the vertical circulation to the house’s core, creating a shaft that allows light to permeate the space. The installation of additional skylights, along with sizable windows at both the front and back of the house, further enhances the natural illumination.
