Passive House Skatchkoff
© Sarah Blee

Passive House Skatchkoff

HUB as Architects

The Skatchkoff Residence is a detached passive-solar house at the edge of the centre of Kortrijk. The design brings two nostalgic elements into crystal clear form: the saw-tooth structure of the local textile industry and the wooden structure of the dacha of the client’s homeland, Russia.


The home is largely organised on the ground floor, in order to enable maximum accessibility for the plucky though somewhat elderly resident. The design is ‘reverse lifecycle resistant’ ideal for a person living alone, with space for a live-in carer when required and with the possibility of being extended at the front for a family with children. In addition, the orientation has been adapted to allow space for an additional twin residence on the west side of the property.


The essence of the design is the sculptural sawtooth roof – ideal for capturing passive solar heat from the south- and the central core which structures the plan and houses all ventilation equipment. All remaining rooms are integrated within a free and flexible plan around this core. The fluctuating height of the roof is reflected in the alternating experience of the rooms below and provides space at the highest point for a hidden attic.


The construction and siding are made entirely from wood and are prefabricated using CNC technology. As a result, the entire structure could be constructed both wind and rain proof within just a few weeks, while construction details were integrated referring back to centuries-old knowledge. All interior carpentry was specifically designed for this home and constructed from a modest yet warm material pallet. The refined, detailed and tactile interior thereby enters into dialogue with the pragmatic and rather basic feel of the exterior.


Project Spotlight
Product Spotlight
News
Nokha Village Community Centre by Sanjay Puri Architects is an architectural oasis in the desert
18 Mar 2024 News
Nokha Village Community Centre by Sanjay Puri Architects is an architectural oasis in the desert

Mumbai-based Sanjay Puri Architects has completed the Nokha Village Community Centre, an architectur... More

Square and Tourist Office: Emerging finalist in Mies van der Rohe Awards 2024
15 Mar 2024 News
Square and Tourist Office: Emerging finalist in Mies van der Rohe Awards 2024

In this Archello series, we look at each of the seven nominated projects (five architecture finalist... More

25 best mosaic wall tile manufacturers
15 Mar 2024 Specification
25 best mosaic wall tile manufacturers

Mosaic wall tiles are produced in an enormous range of colors, shapes and finishes, and from a varie... More

Introducing Partner Motion Facades
15 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Motion Facades

Motion Facades specializes in supplying advanced facade systems for luxury real estate projects. Its... More

Bergendy Cooke, Grégoire Du Pasquier, Ruth Baleiko and Mathew Albores join Archello Awards 2024 jury panel
15 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Bergendy Cooke, Grégoire Du Pasquier, Ruth Baleiko and Mathew Albores join Archello Awards 2024 jury panel

Architects Bergendy Cooke, Grégoire Du Pasquier, Ruth Baleiko and Mathew Albores have been an... More

JSWD completes new office complex in Bonn unified by triangular facade elements
14 Mar 2024 News
JSWD completes new office complex in Bonn unified by triangular facade elements

International architectural firm JSWD has completed the Neuer Kanzlerplatz office complex in the cit... More

Archello Awards 2024 expands with 'Firm Awards'
14 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Archello Awards 2024 expands with 'Firm Awards'

Today Archello introduces a new set of Firm Awards categories to widen the scope of the Archello Awa... More

Studio Egret West develops plans for new Passivhaus homes
13 Mar 2024 News
Studio Egret West develops plans for new Passivhaus homes

London-based multidisciplinary architecture and design practice Studio Egret West has developed plan... More