Single-Family House in Marcinelle (MLA)

Project: Single-Family House in Marcinelle (MLA)
Architect: RESERVOIR A

Programme

The MLA House is a renovation of a single-family terraced home in Marcinelle, situated within a dense yet breathable urban fabric. The project unfolds in two phases, aiming for a respectful transformation of the existing structure while enhancing the quality of life.

The initial phase opens the space to the exterior through the demolition of an annex, the reorganization of openings, and the thermal improvement of the building. The second phase completes the evolution by introducing zenithal lighting and integrating greenery into the surfaces.

About: The intervention on MLA House is guided by a subtle dialogue between preservation and transformation. Rather than erasing the site’s history, it seeks to infuse it with new energy and a sense of openness. The partial demolition of a rear annex frees natural light and establishes a seamless connection between interior and exterior. The former footprint is reimagined as a planted patio, punctuated by the preserved chimney and water pump—silent witnesses of the past engaging in conversation with the present.
Materiality underscores this duality: the rear façade is clad in dark natural cork, a living skin that contrasts with the historic brickwork, anchoring the home in a contemporary yet respectful approach to its surroundings. Inside, the transformations remain measured, designed to accommodate modern living without disrupting the soul of the space. Reconfigured openings, thermal upgrades, and an integrated ventilation system ensure optimal comfort within an energy-conscious framework.
The second phase of the project enhances this initial vision by embracing light in all its forms. Skylights, roof windows, and a glass canopy open the house to the sky, capturing shifting daylight and diffusing it throughout the spaces. The reorganization of the upper volumes, combined with a green roof, completes the transformation—offering a vertical breath of fresh air within the urban density.