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Arca House: A Contemporary Interpretation of an Architectural Heritage

Located in the Sint-Martens-Latem region of Belgium, Arca House was originally built in just six months in 1966 by architect Jean Van den Boggerde. With its metal frame structure, symmetrical layout, and arched roof, this modernist building reflected a vision far ahead of its time. Today, it has been revived as both a living space and design studio by architect Frederic Hooft.
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A Dream from Childhood, Realized

Frederic Hooft’s fascination with Arca House dates back to his childhood. When he first stepped inside this iconic structure nearly twenty years ago, his admiration quickly turned into a passion. “I had never considered living in Sint-Martens-Latem, but I wanted to live in Arca House. There was something special about it,” says Hooft. This long-held desire came to life after seven years and countless conversations.
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At the Crossroads of Beauty and Purpose

Architect Van den Boggerde’s desire to create a captivating living space for his Italian wife—even in the countryside—formed the foundation of this architectural statement. Since the mid-2000s, both the house and its garden have been under protection. Today, Arca House has taken its current form through the careful touch of Frederic Hooft. “Without altering the character of the house, I added comforts that remain unseen yet deeply felt,” says Hooft, who enhanced the tactile quality of the space through thoughtful details such as custom-designed ceramics and the use of carpets in the bathroom.
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“It’s the grandeur of trees and the beauty of furniture that captivate me—not shiny new cars.”

The upper floor of the house is dedicated to daily living, featuring an open-plan kitchen, living area, and bedrooms, while the lower level serves as a workspace. Plywood ceiling panels and partition walls inspired by Japanese aesthetics give the space a minimal yet striking character. The lower floor is finished with solid oak parquet, whereas the upper floor features beech wood flooring and plastered walls—details that reflect Hooft’s thoughtful material choices. His love for the garden is also seamlessly woven into the architecture. A 14-meter, 35-year-old Gleditsia Sunburst tree, imported from the Netherlands, stands as a symbol of his connection with nature. “I’m drawn to big trees and beautiful furniture—not new cars,” he says with a smile.
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Unique, Never-Repeated Creations

Within the interiors, striking a balance between vintage and contemporary design is one of Hooft’s specialties. From a Carlo Scarpa chair to a Pierre Chapo table and a modern modular sofa by Muller Van Severen, his collection harmonizes seamlessly with Villa Arca’s architectural language. What began as a place simply to live eventually became the center of Hooft’s design practice. “I realized I no longer wanted to commute to Ghent every morning. There was no point in leaving my beautiful home to go to a dirty city,” he says. Today, when welcoming clients at Villa Arca, he offers not just a project, but a glimpse into his lifestyle and design philosophy. “Every design I create is tailored. I never do the same thing twice,” he adds, underlining the individuality at the heart of his architectural approach.
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Arca House is more than just an architectural structure; it is a living manifesto that unites past and present, nature and design, personal passion and professional vision.
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