What looks to be a simple row of houses in Gent, Belgium holds a secret - well a house within a house to be precise. Designed by architects Atelier Vens Vanbelle, the ‘double house’ features many a twist on traditional design (press the ancient doorbell and the door swings open shortly afterwards). Immediately upon entering you stand face to face with a wall of rough wooden planks as if staring at the front of house – this is the ‘home’ of the kitchen. Stairs lead above the cooking area to a viewing balcony, offering a great vantage point with views of both the open loft with downstairs kitchen, living room and – by the shape of the plot – you have sight of the rear garden. The upper balcony also serves as a small office nook which surveys the entrance. With beautiful mid-century furniture throughout, the house feels truly lived in as opposed to the usual polished interiors found in most modern creations, plus you have the added bonus of getting to say you own two homes. Flashy. Take a look inside this extraordinary structure below.
