Rooted in the Forest, Floating Above the Ground | Residence SAB

Residence SAB, a remarkable home nestled within the tranquil woodlands of Sint Martinsleetum in Belgium. Here, architecture isn't just placed on the land, it has been shaped by the land. The design responds directly to the site's existing trees and slopes, creating a long, horizontal composition that feels rooted in nature rather than imposed upon it. The house reads as two distinct volumes hovering over a shared, floating concrete base. The lower section stretches east-west, a largely transparent space framed by floor-to-ceiling glazing that dissolves the boundary between inside and outside. This openness captures light throughout the day and frames views of the forest and the southeast-facing pool just beyond the terrace. One of the most striking gestures here is the way the house seems to float. A thin horizontal slab just above ground level separates the lower glass-wrapped zone from the upper wooden volume, underscoring that sense of weightlessness. On the exterior, this design strategy also hints at the reflective water of the pool, visually linking the two elements into a cohesive composition. Inside, the living spaces are arranged for both everyday life and moments of gathering. The living room, kitchen, and dining areas are logically positioned to flow into one another, creating a generous yet grounded public realm. Beyond, the covered outdoor lounge becomes a seamless extension, a space where daylight pours in and nature becomes part of the daily experience. Above it, a solid wooden volume spans two levels, containing the more private areas of the home. Bedrooms, bathrooms, a prep kitchen, and an office. Its orientation and materiality create a sense of retreat, shielding these spaces from direct sun and external sightlines while maintaining connection to the surrounding greenery. Below the main floors, the basement offers another layer of spatial richness. Though partially underground, this level connects directly with the outdoor pool and garden via external steps. Here, you'll find spaces dedicated to wellness and leisure, from a gym and lounge to areas that blur the lines between indoor comfort and outdoor relaxation, all while still drawing light and framing views to the outside. What makes Residence SAB especially compelling is the balance it strikes between structure and environment. Material choices, from glass and concrete to timber, work in harmonious dialogue with the wooded surroundings. The result is a home that feels simultaneously grounded in light, private yet open, and always in conversation with the landscape it inhabits.