Winge Golf and Country Club, Tielt-Winge, Belgium

In the new clubhouse for the Winge Golf and Country Club, the relationship between inside and outside is crucial, as is the merging of the functional and the scenic. The white building envelops the entire environment, like a warm white blanket over the gently sloping terrain. Two separate building volumes are connected by a continuously sloping concrete roof, accommodating all practical functions such as tee-off and practice rooms on the one hand, and dressing rooms and offices, bar, restaurant and meeting rooms on the other.

 Within this project two fireplaces modelled in clay define focal points in the open space under a continuous ceiling. A restaurant, bistro, bar and salon are covered by this concrete quilt. Instead of installing two prefabricated chimneys the architects decided to develop the idea of a hearth where people would naturally gather and start conversations. Open on three sides and with a concrete, wide border around the hearthstone above which the chimney in clay is suspended, both objects emphasise the cosiness of the interior. The monolithic appearance of the fireplaces is balanced by elegant pendant lamps, also specially designed.