# Belgian penthouse channels North Sea coast through minimalist design Merckx-Holvoet Architecten crafts a seaside retreat with sand-inspired textures and panoramic views. - **Source:** [Interior design | Dezeen](https://brifing.si/source/cb2e5f17-36d4-4880-b1ae-26168d46e00a) - **Published:** 2026-09-07 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7507ebf9-2916-450d-a9ad-98ee6030bd57 ## Coastal Design Philosophy Merckx-Holvoet Architecten designed the V Penthouse to mirror Belgium's North Sea coastline, using a restrained material palette that evolves gradually. The 150 sqm space features sandblasted Travertino Noce stone walls and lime-based flooring, deliberately echoing nearby dunes. Architects Marc Merckx and Sebastien Holvoet emphasized 'poetry and refinement' through subtle reveals rather than immediate visual impact. Project architect Jef De Saedeleer confirmed the sand color palette was directly inspired by the coastal environment. ## Spatial Configuration Spanning the 9th and 10th floors in Duinbergen, the penthouse follows a rectangular layout centered around an oak staircase. The lower level contains an entrance foyer flanked by a sea-view living room and kitchen-dining area, both opening to a verandah. Custom modernist furniture includes a parchment-leather coffee table and Egyptian sandstone-topped dining pieces. Floor-to-ceiling shutters conceal functional kitchen elements while maintaining visual continuity with the coastal theme. ## Material Storytelling Every material selection reinforces the coastal narrative: oak wood details mimic driftwood, while the Egyptian sandstone island and lavastone dining table introduce textural variation. The studio custom-made all lighting fixtures including a mahogany table lamp and aluminum outdoor stools. Even built-in storage solutions use the same Travertino Noce stone to maintain material harmony throughout both levels of the residence. ## View Optimization Strategic window placement maximizes North Sea vistas from multiple vantage points. The primary bedroom's sloping-roof ensuite features picture windows by both bathtub and shower, creating immersive seascape experiences. Living areas connect directly to the verandah, blurring indoor-outdoor boundaries. Architects designed sightlines so material transitions align precisely with where the view meets the horizon, creating a seamless visual flow between interior and exterior. ## Art Integration Minimalist artworks by Andy Warhol and Sol Lewitt punctuate the neutral-toned walls without competing with the coastal aesthetic. The studio intentionally limited artwork to maintain focus on the architectural experience and views. Custom furniture pieces double as functional sculptures, like the L-shaped bench combining Egyptian sandstone with oak wood. This approach ensures every design element contributes to the overall spatial poetry. ## Architectural Context Completed in 2023, this project represents Merckx-Holvoet Architecten's signature approach since their 2018 founding. The studio frequently collaborates with local craftsmen for custom elements, as seen in the entirely bespoke lighting and furniture. Located in West Flanders' seaside village of Duinbergen, the penthouse responds to Belgium's growing demand for high-end, context-sensitive vacation homes that prioritize sensory experiences over square footage. ## Technical Execution The design team achieved visual continuity through meticulous material transitions, using the same stone for walls, shutters, and built-ins. Lime-based flooring was chosen for its tonal harmony with sandblasted surfaces while providing durability. All custom joinery maintains consistent 5mm reveals, and the solid oak staircase was engineered as a sculptural centerpiece connecting both floors with minimalist detailing. ## Sensory Design Impact This project demonstrates how architectural restraint can amplify environmental connections. By limiting the material palette to three primary elements (stone, oak, sandstone), the architects created a meditative space where changing light conditions on surfaces become the main visual event. The design proves vacation homes need not be expansive to feel luxurious—thoughtful detailing and site-responsive materials create profound sensory experiences that standard luxury finishes cannot match. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dezeen.com/2026/09/07/north-sea-coast-seaside-penthouse-merckx-holvoet-architecten/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._