Polder

Symmetry + Asymmetry and Black & White are the leading concepts in this interior design. The existing lines and perspectives have been minutely adjusted until they perfectly match the new design, which is highlighted by the extreme purity and sober colours, the natural materials and the pure surfaces. Functionality is subtly hidden here: the TV over the fireplace appears at the touch of a button, and the low bench in the bay conceals the radiators. A powerful statement that ‘form follows function’ can produce a delightful result.

photography: Thomas De Bruyne

Maison GAB

A ‘fashion’ house as the archetype for the GAB fashion group. To strengthen the diversity of the many brands on a single site, a contemporary, pure design was opted for. An intriguing overall site is created, which is also partly due to the presence of a historical, industrial building. The linear marking on the exterior is characteristic for the building, and is repeated in an identical manner on the walls and ceiling in the interior. Everything was carefully reduced to the essence, even down to the smallest detail. For example, the light is filtered through panels perforated with ‘miniature houses’, and the vertical lines inside serve as holders for floating tablets… less can be much more…

architect: Joep Debie
stability: Planet Engineering
techniques: Klimat Engineering
photography: studio PSG

Centenaire

This beautiful apartment in a historically valuable art deco building needed a thorough renovation. With due respect to the existing floor plan, the layout has been carefully modified in some areas. The layout of the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms was always based on an informal vision. With regard to materials, soft, natural textures and color tones were opted for from the outset: cement solutions for walls and floors, casually draped fabrics, etc. The further interpretation, with matching, loose furniture and accessories, finally creates a strong, informal atmosphere that feels sober and refined at the same time.

photography: Luc Roymans

VMB

Mission: the conversion of a ‘used office’ into a professional reception and meeting area for customers and internal use. Within the context of the existing architecture, all partitions were removed, and a completely new layout was created. The new structure required us to thoroughly upgrade all the technical facilities: HVAC, lighting, IT, etc. - technology associated with a high-quality, modern office environment. As VBM is focusing on ‘finance for dynamic businesses’, the concept reflects an environment in which all ballast has been thrown overboard. An environment in which the focus is entirely on the essence of their services. In terms of space, this is reflected in the pure lines / volumes / surfaces and also in the materials.

photography: Luc Roymans

Hageland

This rather traditional villa has been interwoven with new visual lines and circulation axes, thus creating a number of strong perspectives. Similarly, a great stratification between different living spaces dominates. Thanks to the integration of concealed sliding doors, the open space can rapidly be transformed into a number of rooms of great intimacy. Moreover, space is provided in each of the rooms for objects, accessories, and works of art. Surfaces allow paintings to be hung, alcoves frame objets d'art, and pedestals bear sculptures. The choice of refined materials combined with the finest detailing, wall finishes and exquisite furniture, make this project a hidden pearl in the gently rolling Hageland landscape.

photography: Thomas De Bruyne

Cornelis Floris

Standing directly between the tower blocks of Renaat Braem’s Police Tower and the Antwerp Boerentoren is the former residence-cum-atelier of sculptor/architect Cornelis Floris de Vriendt (16th century). At a later stage, the parcel was extended and the site became a school. Our assignment consisted of transforming this patrimony into four commercial spaces and a dozen residential entities. FTdo focused on preserving the soul, recalling the playground (likewise the school desks) and candidly and subtly adding new elements. Reinforcing the old with the new to the maximum. The buildings were dismantled with precious care and rebuilt layer by layer.

architect: Omgeving
photography: Thomas De Bruyne

Lakeside view

Comfort and high-tech fully blend in this apartment. The wooden wall is a reference to the swaying reeds by the waterside. The wall has space provided for objects, photo frames and a TV. The wall also conceals a hotel style bedroom and connects the different living zones. The open kitchen is of rigidly geometric design. The materials were weighed up and selected with great care. For instance, even the refrigerator was covered with leather down to the minutest detail. Simplicity, luxury and tranquillity are the keywords here.

photography: Thomas De Bruyne

O&O

Ortho means true/perfect/correct. In this orthodontics practice, it was sought to divide the open space into a waiting zone and practice part using the minimum of visual elements. The fluent lines ensure a natural flow and, in addition to retaining great openness, also allow for appropriate privacy and discretion. All technology went into the perfectly aligned lamina structure. Following an idea from the principal, we worked with ‘blue steel’ for the first time. A cold material with a warm, timeless patina. This material was custom-folded and screwed for the offices.

architect: Joep Debie
photography: Luc Roymans

Mr David

An old factory was converted into a loft complex overlooking the River Dyle. Particularly the task of bridging the various levels was a real challenge and led to an interesting interplay between the various stacked levels. Each of these levels defines one of the specific zones – dining, cooking, sitting, sleeping – and these determine the lines of the entire interior. Architectural space is created through the play between surfaces and dimensions. The floor is laid with narrow oak flooring that accentuates the different circulations and perspectives. The lighting in the stretch ceiling also underlines those same lines.

photography: Luc Roymans

Aspasia(+)

A store and a shop. Both premises underwent thorough refurbishment. Drawing in the natural light by means of a patio provides an open shopping experience at both project locations. The complexity of the level differences has been turned into a powerful spatial experience. Each of the zones is functional and has been thoughtfully filled-in. The Aspasia store opted for sober concrete flooring, lacquered furniture and some warm tones with respect to the wooden furniture. Taken as a whole it creates an airy and spacious impression. The Aspasia+ men's shop opted for a more pronounced masculine, refined appearance. A dark floor combined with light veneer, a printed curtain, the pay-desk with mosaic inlay…

photography: Ruben Taelman

8300

This 2nd residence, which is situated at one of the most fashionable squares in Belgium, took on a Mediterranean flavour partly through the extensive use of carefully selected materials. The assignment had a single explicit requirement, which was to remain in harmony with the contours of the apartment under construction and, after a complete tabula rasa, to start afresh with a new format and program. The white (natural) stone, with crystalline structure, draws the sunlight deeper into the space. On top of this basis there is a tone-on-tone composition of additional white elements: wall decorations in broken white, paintwork in off-white and shutters in pure white. And all of this interspersed with sand, ochre and coffee-coloured objects...

Saint-Tropez on the Belgian coast…?

photography: Luc Roymans

Baràbas

Bordeaux, Beaujolais, Languedoc-Roussillon… Old vines thrive best in soil containing a pebble mixture. Gravel and vine branches formed the basic materials used to transform a former bicycle shop into a trendy food & wine bar located in the centre of Boechout. ‘Bar à bas’ means low bar in French, in other words, seating at a low height around the bar. This creates an open space with captivating unobstructed views and perspectives. However, there are plenty more unusual, special cosy corners waiting for you at this food & wine bar. The warm and sober tones in combination with the choice of materials guarantee a relaxed urban atmosphere. The perfect setting in which to enjoy a nice glass of wine!

architect: Omgeving
photography: Ruben Taelman

Flowers

The renovation of this former farmhouse including long facade was undertaken with a very light touch and the utmost care. Yet even then the difference between present and past is gigantic. Adapting the circulation within the existing 'room after room' layout accentuates the length of the farm and provides interesting perspectives. The long central corridor functions as art corridor. The double-height master bedroom works with the bathroom to form a visually open space. The materials used in the dwelling were limited to wide plank flooring, reuse of existing tiles and doors and new materials possessing a timeless character. The swimming pool and underground pool house are currently under construction.

photography: Luc Roymans

Focus Brandstore

How do you set about transforming an impoverished low brick building – situated in a maze of backyards – into a pleasant shopping environment? The secret is found in the creation of a kind of courtyard area in front of the building and by turning the inside area into an interior garden! Large windowed sections forge the link between indoor and outdoor areas. Upon entering the shop you also come across a central square. This is positioned centrally between the men's and women's collections, which in turn are placed in specific areas: the jeans walls, tailored, casual wear and trendy women's collections within a central area. The material used was adapted to the different collections and ranges from light to dark, from soft leather to strongly veined natural stone, from wooden wall coverings to tactile wallpaper…

architect: Joep Debie
photography: Luc Roymans

Petercam

Metropolitan business office

An existing office located on the top floor of an office building on the boulevard in Antwerp was completely gutted and given a new layout. Despite the fact that the open space has a central position, the location of the various reception rooms allow for sufficient privacy between the different meeting rooms and the actual office area. With regard to the setting, warm, tactile materials (wall-to-wall carpeting and deeply sandblasted wood) and translucent dividing walls (glass with integrated upholstery). All of this complemented by elegant seating.

photography: Ruben Taelman

PJL

Pepe Jeans London

In black & white or bleached colours? The prefabricated office building was stripped right down to the structure and then put back together with a clear layout.

The result is an open space office with ancillary showroom. The floor set in poly-concrete, allows all techniques to remain visible, these elements along with the matching styling, underline the casual, no-nonsense brand identity.

photography: Luc Roymans

Rubens

Sand / Sable / Sand… form the basis for the renovation of the apartment by the sea that dates back to the interbellum period. You can see this in the bleached oak floor, the French sandstone and in the light wood veneer. Build-in openings between the rooms adjoining the facade give you the impression that you are walking along the sea front. The more functional areas are located a little deeper within the building: the boiler room, the sanitary units, etc. Above all, the new layout is focused on outdoor views. The white walls reflect, at any time of the day, the current weather outside. Outdoors you experience everything that’s going on indoors.

photography: Luc Roymans

pop_up '13

FTdo pop_up iguazu, summer 2013, Knokke.

photography: Luc Roymans