In the coastal town of Duinbergen, Belgium, a family retreat has been brought to life by the hands of Belgian architecture studio Decancq Vercruysse. This four-bedroom, four-bathroom apartment was transformed into a serene sanctuary, designed to offer respite from the hectic pace of daily life. The project, which catered to a family of five, was approached with the goal of creating a peaceful escape where tranquility reigns.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location: Duinbergen, Belgium
Architecture: Decancq Vercruysse
Photography: Eric Petschek
Emiel Vercruysse, the founding architect of Decancq Vercruysse, stripped the apartment down to its core essence. The result is an elegant, minimalist design that evokes calm from the moment you enter. A restrained material palette, with careful selections of furniture and decor, enhances the feeling of serenity throughout the space.
From the outset, the design language is simple and refined. The open-plan living area embraces the expansive sea views, creating a soothing atmosphere where the family can enjoy both the communal warmth of the space and the intimate quiet moments. As Vercruysse describes it, the design is “crafted to feel welcoming for the entire family but also intimate for just two.” This duality is central to the home’s success.
One of the standout elements of the home is the seamless connection between the interior and its coastal surroundings. In the kitchen, the use of natural and bleached white oak creates an inviting atmosphere. The benchtop, finished with a lime technique that mirrors the flooring, draws on the textures of the beach just beyond the windows. Small stones embedded in the floor further evoke the feeling of sand beneath your feet. The choice of materials is deliberate: “The flooring mimics the sand, and the light wood references the beach cabins, forming a soothing palette,” says Vercruysse.
This connection to the seaside is also reflected in the nautical-inspired design of the joinery handles and the soft curves of the custom console that anchors the living space. The console is home to the television, which is cleverly designed to slide out when needed. This feature ensures that the unobstructed view of the sea is never interrupted by technology, allowing the family to fully disconnect from the outside world.
Every piece of furniture in the apartment has been thoughtfully crafted to align with the home’s overall design. The dining table, made from custom walnut with stainless steel legs, is surrounded by Fredericia BM61 chairs by Børge Mogensen, set upon the calming bleached oak floors. The custom-made sofa, stools, coffee table, and dining table emphasize the cohesive materials and forms that unify the entire space.
Vercruysse’s attention to detail extends beyond just the larger furniture pieces. The home’s minimalistic design is heightened by the soft textures and gentle curves that dominate the space, from the organic shapes of the furniture to the thoughtful placement of each item. The natural light flooding the apartment further enhances this atmosphere of serenity, offering a perfect balance between functionality and beauty.
In reflecting on the completed transformation, Vercruysse attributes the project’s success to the integration of contemporary design and the use of natural materials, which together allow the family to fully disconnect from the demands of daily life. “This custom floor opened the door to endless possibilities,” he says, underscoring how the materials have not only transformed the space but also elevated the family’s experience within it. The apartment now stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful, minimalist design and the ability to create a space that feels both timeless and deeply connected to its surroundings.
For the family, this home is more than just a getaway—it is a retreat that allows them to embrace the simplicity and beauty of life by the sea.
