Ruusbroec

With only 2 consecutive spaces from front to back façade, this house was expertly designed to make the most of every inch. The house has three levels but only a total floor area of 120 m². The ground floor features a spacious kitchen and dining area, both flooded with natural light. The rear façade can be fully opened onto the courtyard via an outward-opening folding door. Bricks laid on edge were applied here, adding vibrancy to the inner courtyard.

One of the standout features of this Antwerp townhouse renovation is how the exploration of contrast creates a compelling balance between historical, industrial, and playful elements. Worn stair treads were preserved in their patina and contrasted with a high-gloss white handrail, while a former fireplace mantel was dismantled and reinterpreted as a cooker hood, with exposed brickwork adding visual tension. Similarly, the refrigerator was clad in mirror finish and recessed into the load-bearing wall, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the overall shelving composition.

On the upper floor, housing the living and office areas, beautiful patinated walls were uncovered beneath the old wallpaper. Their contrast with the stainless steel convector casing and the amazakoué wood paneling in the office creates a compelling interplay of textures and materials.

On the top floor, two former bedrooms and their attics were fully removed to make way for an open-plan master bedroom and bathroom. The two functions are separated by a freestanding dressing unit, which does not reach the roof ridge, preserving the sense of volume in the space. The yellow ceiling adds a playful note to the spacious interior and, on summer days, contrasts beautifully with the blue sky through the newly installed, irregularly placed skylights.