A Holistic Approach to Retirement Living

Villa Kameleon, nestled in the serene municipality of Zoersel, Belgium, stands as a testament to compassionate care and innovative design. Crafted by FELT architecture & design in collaboration with a private client and the non-profit organization Emmaus, this care home caters to the needs of the family’s granddaughter and eight other residents with mental disabilities.

Natural Integration and Compact Design

Situated near the Monnikenheide domain, Villa Kameleon seamlessly merges with its verdant surroundings. The architects prioritized preserving the site’s greenery, resulting in a rational and hyper-compact structure featuring a distinctive hexagonal ground plan. Careful positioning within the forest ensures ample natural light while maintaining close proximity to the surrounding trees.

Faceted Façades and Material Harmony

Villa Kameleon’s façades, adorned with light grey plaster and green glazed tiles, create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. This thoughtful use of materials and rhythm breaks down the building’s volume, establishing a harmonious relationship with its environment from all angles.

Warm and Welcoming Interiors

Inside, a warm and inviting palette sets the tone for communal living. A central hall, adorned with a spiral staircase, serves as the heart of the home, surrounded by six identical studios on the first floor. The ground floor houses communal areas and three additional studios, prioritizing accessibility for all residents.

Functional Layout and Natural Light Integration

To counter the traditional rectangular layout often found in healthcare architecture, each studio is strategically positioned at a corner of the hexagonal plan. This unique arrangement offers dual orientation and panoramic views of the landscape. Bathrooms, thoughtfully placed along the façades, maximize natural daylight, enhancing the residents’ well-being.

Illuminating the Heart of the Home

A dome crowning the central hall illuminates the interior, providing glimpses of the sky and treetops. This architectural feature not only floods the space with natural light but also fosters a connection to the surrounding natural beauty, enriching the residents’ living experience at Villa Kameleon.

In essence, Villa Kameleon embodies a harmonious blend of care, comfort, and connection with nature, redefining retirement living with empathy and innovation.