1960s Dental Practice Transformed into Modern Family Home by Architect Jan Lefevere
Project OL6: Blending Past and Present:-
Originally built in 1962, the three-story building—dubbed OL6—stood empty for years after its use as a dental practice ended. Over time, new constructions on either side blocked natural light, leaving the space dark and neglected.
Lefevere, founder of KAAI 7 architecture studio, was tasked with revitalizing the structure. His approach? A delicate balance of restoration and modernization.
Key Design Features:-
- A ground-floor extension with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors opens to a garden, flooding the living area with sunlight.
- A bold circular opening in the concrete slab above the kitchen acts as a lightwell, pulling illumination from the upper floor.
- The original Lumax glass-block staircase was restored, with later finishes stripped away.
- Vintage sanitary fixtures, lighting, and wood paneling were repurposed throughout the home.
- Soft pink steelwork and doorframes add warmth.
- A retro blue hue from the original facade was reused in the stairwell flooring.
- Stained plywood (inspired by the original staircase) appears in cabinetry, walls, and even the bathtub panel.
