Respectful Revival: Stef Claes Transaforms a 1970s Belgian Seaside Gem.

Among the cottages of Belgium’s seaside Duinbergen, one residence commands attention with its bold triangular roofline and quietly eccentric presence. This striking 1970s home recently found new life under the guidance of architect Stef Claes, who approached the renovation with a considerate philosophy: respect what makes the house unique while bringing it into the contemporary world.

The project’s origin story reads like architectural destiny. Claes had initially viewed the property with another client whose offer fell through. A month later, a different family contacted him about a seaside house they’d purchased—the very same property. “That felt like destiny, the house had found its way back to me,” Claes reflects. Adding to the serendipity, one of the family’s daughters had specifically recommended him as the perfect designer for the project.

Honouring the Original Vision

Claes’s approach centred on understanding the original engineer-architect’s intent before making any changes. The sculptural concrete fireplace, generous travertine staircase, smoked glass balustrade, and deep-toned timber frames all remained, carefully restored and thoughtfully extended where needed. Even seemingly obsolete elements like original heating grills were preserved for their design value.

“My approach is always to add value without imposing myself too heavily: not a neo-style restoration, nor a radical new signature, but a renovation that blends in gently,” explains Claes, drawing on his experience working with mid-century modern houses in Los Angeles.

The material palette tells a story of continuity and comfort. New travertine flooring in the entrance hall and kitchen echoes the original design language, while warm parquet in living areas and bedrooms creates textural contrast. The kitchen renovation maintained the original wood species, ensuring material consistency throughout.

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Creating Contemporary Flow

Perhaps the most significant intervention was the reorganisation of the floor plan, making the entrance hall more legible and opening up the first floor to better serve family life. An underutilised attic was transformed into a light-filled retreat for yoga, reading, and reflection—a quiet counterpoint to the home’s social spaces.

Custom details demonstrate Claes’s attention to preserving the house’s soul. One original sculptural door handle was repurposed on a new glass door, creating what he describes as “a small but very poetic gesture.”

Living Architecture

The renovation’s success lies not in dramatic transformation but in thoughtful evolution. Claes chose materials for their ability to age gracefully, allowing the home to gather beauty over time. “Every choice we made, I asked myself: how will this age in 10, 20, 30 years?” he notes.

This measured approach has created a home that neither fights its past nor ignores its future. The family’s satisfaction speaks volumes—when clients tell Claes they love waking up in the space and that the house feels deeply theirs, that’s when he feels proudest.

The Duinbergen house is a compelling example of renovation done right: honouring architectural heritage while creating spaces that support contemporary life, proving that sometimes the best design move is knowing what not to change.

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[Images courtesy of Stef Claes. Photography by Eric Petschek.]