Illusion in green
It is an illusion from the other bank of the River Meuse. The parapets, turrets and entrances of these grand old houses are reflected upside down in the water. Hanging branches touch their reflection and a narrow green axis materialises in the middle. The wealthy owners put all their splendour on display for the river traveller to see, as if their estates were floating on the River Meuse. In reality, these imposing mansions are located in equally imposing gardens which, even today, create a feeling of being transported back through the centuries. Well, except for transport. Of course, living in the small Walloon community, 50 minutes south of Brussels by car, means you need at least one car. But where can you park a modern vehicle which looks completely out of place amidst the old grandeur? At the office of 5 Architekten, they must have concluded that the best solution would be total inconspicuousness. The architects designed a garage building in the grounds of a stately country estate, its façade comprises naturAL Reflect ALUCOBOND® panels glued onto a wooden substructure. The effect is astonishing in a number of respects, and it is a declaration of love to the surrounding greenery. In the mirrored images, the building’s contours meld with the plants in the garden. No screws, nor brackets spoil the illusion. In addition, the crafty use of reflection is very site-specific. It reflects the pool and, depending on a viewer’s perspective, it also mirrors the old natural stone wall, the neighbouring mansions’ little towers and parapets, and the hills rising steeply behind. The ALUCOBOND® façade transforms the gravel garden path into a perpetual loop. This is how the new building is fused discreetly with the existing historic architecture and, as was once customary, offers surprising perspectives across and into the landscape. Exploiting the effect of a mirror on water or other reflective materials has always been used to intensify daylight and to increase the splendour of pomp and majesty. Now, residents can look out on their own little pool party whilst sunbathing, as if part of an open-air theatre in an endless green landscape.
Project: Villa D, Wépion | Belgium
Architect: Buro 5 architectes & associés sprl, Naninne | Belgium
Fabricator & Installer: Philippe Lanoe / Alban Seius | Belgium
Façade System: Glued & Wooden Substructure
Year of Construction: 2017
Product: ALUCOBOND® PLUS naturAL Reflect
Photos: François Mainil