Situated in the centre of Ghent, an ancient manor house with a protected façade blends into the typical Flemish urban fabric. The outdoor space is limited to a small courtyard at the back of the house. The desire for a more generous garden on the one hand, and a separate place to read in silence on the other, led to the utilization of an area that had been untouched until now; the roof.

By placing a modest geometric roof pavilion within the urban restrictions, a spacious roof terrace is created. This red quirky volume looks over its versatile environment of the city. It thus compliments the house, by emphasizing its position as a stately and solitary building. The reading room is accessible by a new steel spiral staircase which is positioned in line with the existing staircase. On the second floor, a spacious bathroom and bedroom are to be found.