Bold and Belgian Dwellings

In the rural Belgian town of Smetlede, polycarbonate—a type of extra-strong plastic—is often used to sheathe porches and verandas. When architect Indra Janda designed what she calls a “garden room” on her parents’ estate, the humble, inexpensive, and easy-to-work-with material was a natural choice.

The 484-square-foot room offers a cool respite from summer sun and a warm place to relax in winter.