Where Architects Live | Mathieu Luyens and Julie Van De Keere

Founders of Gent-based architecture firm JUMA architects, Mathieu and Julie conceptualised their brick home, separate garage and adjoining studio around ‘unique and irreplaceable trees’. Set in the quaint and ever-green town of Sint-Martens-Latem, East Flanders, they live here with their two daughters aged six and three and their feline friend Cookie. 

A long driveaway bordered by old leafy trees leads to three connected brick volumes; a double garage, the architects’ office and Mathieu and Julie’s family home. While they all share the same material palette, the buildings differ in size and form. 

Julie and Mathieu were met with the challenge of ‘far from ideal’ orientation when designing their home. They approached it with the same penchant for drawn-out and low forms as they have in other projects, leading to an elongated floor plan. The master bedroom with walk-in-wardrobe and ensuite are kept as a separate suite on the first floor, while every other space, including the children’s bedrooms, are located on the ground floor.

The kitchen is the heart of the home – a crossroad that connects all of the communal spaces. Featured in est Magazine issue #36, the striking chocolate and travertine kitchen space relays the fundamental value of natural stone in Belgian architecture and interior design. “It was important that the floor needed to be the same as the countertop and the countertop needed to be resistant enough to be able to cook,” he says. “We like the fact that you can use the stone-filled and not filled,” he adds. “This gives a different dynamic.” One of Mathieu and Julie’s favourite parts about the kitchen is the V-Zug oven, located in the second ‘dirty’ kitchen where you’ll find them washing – or concealing dishes. 

Mathieu says he can’t pin down a space where they feel most relaxed – he says it’s a feeling the house cultivates throughout. What every space shares is an affinity for a textural yet soothingly subdued material palette and considered glazed openings to the verdant surrounds. An example Mathieu sites is the master bedroom, walk-in robe and ensuite situated on the first floor. “Because those are the only rooms on the first floor and because of the materials and colours, this floor feels like a hotel suite,” he says. On the other hand, when seeking to recharge with family and friends, you’ll find Mathieu and Julie in the kitchen that connects to the outdoor pool area. 

The inspiration behind some of the furniture in the living room has come from their travels too, like 529 Rio Coffee Table by Charlotte Perriand which Mathieu and Julie fell in love with at Hotel Les Roches Rouges in France. Mathieu says the Soriana Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina and Knoll Barcelona Chairs have family ties, gifted to them by his mother.