The architecture of Oustre Sala, kept hidden among the garden's trees, is both an ode to the landscape it rises from as much as it is a home for a family of four. The exterior is defined through a locally sourced stone, which has been in use for over 2000 years and defines much of Flanders' heritage buildings, called Balegemse Steen. By reinterpreting the material in a contemporary way, a direct dialogue comes into existence between the architecture and the very earth it stands on. Several volumes that visibly differentiate in height translate the typical hillscape of the Flemish Ardennes on the outside while creating playful, interconnected spaces on the inside. The interior feels open, upholding a continuous visual link to the garden and central courtyard, without losing the intimacy of defined rooms. Only the bathroom has been raised to the first floor, psychologically detaching it from the rest of the house, becoming a nurturing wellness retreat that sits among the tree canopies. Images by Analog1.eu