Natural materials and rich textures develop a distinctive character echoed throughout the villa. Pictured: Erik Buch stools and Cassina Dudet chairs designed by Patricia Urquiola.
BUE by Sébastien Caporusso preserves a Belgian home’s classical character adding natural finishes and a new open plan.
Brussels-based architecture and furniture designer Sébastien Caporusso says it was important to establish a perspective that renewed and adapted the planning of the home “connected to the identity of its place”. With strong existing proportions, the villa in rural Sint-Martens-Latem “benefits from an exceptional natural setting that already provides striking views and a high-quality spatial experience”.
Timber-framed joinery in the main bedroom inset with deep olive-green fabric in the walk-in robe, and mirror in the en suite, connect the spaces and highlight and reflect the home’s original windows and rural surrounds. Natural stone in a patchwork arrangement of contrasting tiles in the family bathroom, richly veined marble in the kitchen and bathrooms, and oiled timber floors give the villa its distinctive identity.
Caporusso says that stone and marble work throughout the residence was entrusted to highly skilled and committed artisans. “I have had the opportunity and privilege of collaborating for several years with Van Den Weghe and Dominique Desimpel, building a strong and lasting partnership. This allowed us to source unique, singular pieces with true character.”
Maxalto Febo dining chairs and Louis Poulsen Artichoke pendant in the dining area.
Original proportions are renewed with a reworked open main floor. Pictured: Flag Halyard chair by Hans J. Wegner for PP Møbler, Vitra Butterfly stool by Sori Yanagi.
Working closely with the owner, the project “marked our first collaboration and came with the opportunity of a remarkably open brief. This freedom allowed us to create a cohesive and comprehensive universe that fully respects the client’s aspirations, while offering a wide range of possibilities in terms of spatial layouts, material choices, and the careful development of refined details.”
A personalised selection of furnishings in the living, kitchen and dining areas complete the interior along with custom tables designed specifically for the project to maximise “circulation and spatial rhythm”. With a curation of seating from Molteni&C, Flexform, Tobia Scarpa, Erik Buch and Mies Van der Rohe, Caporusso welcomed the chance to compose a collection to suit the villa. The lighting design also features iconic pieces, including floor lamps by Pierre Forsell, wall sconces by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, and pendant lights by Verner Panton, “each contributing to a warm and sculptural atmosphere.”
“Designed entirely from the ground up, with the guiding idea of preserving its authentic, classical character while subtly infusing a contemporary sensibility”, Caporusso comments that “every aspect was carefully considered to open the house as much as possible.”
Particular care was taken in the meticulous selection of marble, stone and wood. Marble and earthy-toned stone in the main bedroom suite is paired with timber and a selection of lighting by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Pierre Forsell, and Verner Panton.
Materials were chosen for their ability to harmonise seamlessly with the surrounding environment “shaping spaces that feel airy, luminous, and deeply comfortable”.
