Homen.Studio’s Eva Soetens designs a sanctuary by the sea to host four generations of family under one roof.
Located in Knokke-Heist on the Belgian border, this apartment looks out to the local lake and is just steps away from the North Sea. Homen.Studio founder and designer Eva Soetens was approached to redesign the interiors for contemporary functionality while preserving the apartment’s ‘essence’.
Every design decision was guided by the client’s vision for a second home that celebrated the balance of aesthetics and emotion. Cherished by four generations, this haven where children visit parents and grandchildren find solace with their grandparents has undergone a complete transformation. The original structure’s outer walls, load-bearing elements, and columns were preserved, but the interior was redefined. A central support axis was duplicated, which allowed for the creation of new bathrooms, a larger kitchen, and additional storage while maintaining a sense of openness.
The apartment’s layout reimagines the space to accommodate family gatherings. A new bedroom, complete with an integrated washbasin, was added, and existing rooms were upgraded to support simultaneous use by the whole family. The dining area was repositioned with a bespoke bench that fosters togetherness.
The dining area features an Acerbis Maestro table.
The beams orchestrate the interplay between the various areas of the apartment in the same colour as the ceiling. The use of rounded design elements further enhances this continuity. Every cabinet was crafted from oak and conceived as a discreetly framed artwork.
The design integrates organic elements, such as curved walls and beams that extend seamlessly across the space. This creates flow between different spaces and enhances the apartment’s open, airy feel. The rounded walls were given a different texture and hue, enhancing the points of contact and creating shadows at certain moments.
Materials like Granito floors and textured lime plaster were chosen for their durability and tactile appeal. They evoke natural textures that connect the home to the sea and surrounding landscape. The surfaces, combined with a carefully curated selection of furniture and lighting, create a pared-down and peaceful environment.
The final result is a place for family, art, and memories, where every detail has been thoughtfully designed to foster quality time together, comfort and reflection.
The Granito flooring evokes sand and crushed shells.
The washbasins were crafted from the same material as the floors, to enhance both maintenance and comfort.
The extra rough finish in the shower creates a natural anti-slip effect, mimicking the sensation of standing on sand.
