Notarishuys Hotel, Belgium | Govaert & Vanhoutte architects

Notarishuys Hotel is a recently completed project in Diksmuide, Belgium, by Bruges based Govaert & Vanhoutte architects.


The building is conceived as a pavilion that operates as a hotel extension to an existing restaurant. The layout is linear, in dialogue with a three centuries old beech tree that dominates the surrounding courtyard. Minimal approach, clean lines, transparency and abstract details define the atmosphere in the interiors of the hotel suites.

Photography © Martine Neirynck



Description from Govaert & Vanhoutte architects:

Hotel “Notarishuys” is an expansion for an existing restaurant. The new building, conceived as a pavilion, holds a hotel containing 4 suites. 

A 300 years old beech tree determines the atmosphere inside and outside throughout the season. Keeping and not harming this natural monument was vital to the design. Because of this, the building became linear, flanking the three. In order to apply a minimal impact on the surrounding, the whole building was placed 50cm beneath ground level. 

A large part of the architecture is made out of glass, a transparency that allows all the light available to enter inside throughout the branches of the tree. An overall visibility of the garden remains and the architecture of the building disappears. 
The presence of the building is reduced and merely defines spaces in terms of: in and out, in front of a wall, between a wall and glass, on one side of the inner (outer) space or the other, etc. 
The inner space consist out of two wings which give access each to two suites. The centre consists out of a breakfast space and the access towards a common sauna. The suites are created around a central box that incorporates all technical requirements of the room and separates the sleeping zone from the open bathroom.














Axonometric © Courtesy of Govaert & Vanhoutte architects

Plan © Courtesy of Govaert & Vanhoutte architects


Source: Govaert & Vanhoutte architects | Archdaily