By the old Beech

Bruges, Belgium

In public spaces

Bird’s-eye view of a shared brick courtyard garden with an off-white round Virus table under a white Acacia parasol, surrounded by shrubs, hedges, and white-painted walls.

In the heart of Bruges, Dehullu Architects and Witblad Interior Architecture transformed a townhouse with an authentic rear warehouse into three spacious residential units. Witblad was responsible for designing the interiors of the apartments and, incidentally, also designed the eye-catching lighting fixtures in the courtyard garden. The greenery in this shared city garden was curated by landscape architect Jan Maes.

The residence name, "By the Beech," refers to the monumental 200-year-old beech tree in the courtyard. The interiors of the three apartments are spacious, tasteful, and comfortable — even luxurious — a design ethos reflected in the courtyard. On the warm red brick paving, an off-white Virus table paired with the Acacia parasol shines. Nearby, the Bistroo two-seater catches the eye, illuminated by the Jay outdoor lamp.

Off-white Virus table with attached stools beneath a pale Acacia parasol on warm red brick paving, set in front of an ivy-covered wall and historic brick façade.

Wide evening view of the landscaped communal courtyard, with brick pathways, planted borders, a white outbuilding, and the Virus table with Acacia parasol tucked into one corner beneath a large tree.

Dusk view of the shared city garden framed by renovated brick buildings, young trees, low planting, curved black garden lights, and the edge of a Virus table with parasol at left.

At Extremis, observing our evolving society is the main source of inspiration. Both Virus and Bistroo were designed by Dirk Wynants as a response to the growing trend of compact living. As urbanization continues, with 60% of the global population projected to live in cities, smaller and shared spaces are becoming the norm. This project proves that this shift doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. On the contrary!

Off-white Bistroo two-seater placed on a brick path beside a timber-clad stair tower, with softly lit façades and landscaped planting in the courtyard at dusk.

Top-down view of a pale green Virus table with attached round stools and a small triangular wooden tray, set on brick paving beside a black garden lamp and leafy planting.

© Pictures by Beeldcollectief
Dehullu Architects + Witblad Interior architecture
Jay lamp by Witblad Interior architecture

By the old Beech

Featured products

Virus

Bistroo

Acacia shade