Architecture Wednesday 1908 Industrial Live/Work Space

I realize this is not for everyone, but I admire the vast space of the work area and the clean, modern lives of the living areas … with gardens and views, too.

In a city where most windows overlook greenery or bustling streets, this property offers a rare and unique view: a window onto art and creativity. Behind the facade of a former electricity warehouse built in 1908 is an exceptional live/workspace that harmoniously blends industrial history and contemporary comfort.

Since 2009, the current owner has been transforming the warehouse into a studio and residential space. The result? An impressive main building of 3000 square feet and a forty-tw0 foot high ceiling, where metal trusses, tall windows, and distinctive brickwork set the tone. Up the iron stairs, a bright 1300 square foot living space with an open-plan kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom; next door is a separate studio, ideal for guests or creative projects, and a spacious office overlooking the garden. At the rear, two warehouses/workshops, various storage spaces, and a cellar await meaning it can become whatever you might want or need. Practicality has also been considered throughout with five private parking spaces behind an automatic gate on the left, and an intimate 860 square foot  city garden on the right.

The loft is well placed for city living, with neighborhood cafés and shops nearby. Park Spoor Noord is a short walk away, while Antwerp’s historic center, the Eilandje docklands and central station are all easily reached.

This is a unique opportunity to merge life, work and art under one roof and all for $1.5M.

The Spaces

Architecture Wednesday: Belgium Brutalist

At first glance, this 1979 Brutalist home—from the exterior—looks lovely, sited in a meadow surrounded by trees outside Heverlee, a town in the borough of Leuven in Belgium. But then, as you enter it becomes quite severe and stern, minimalist and institutional, not like a schoolhouse but like the place Hollywood sent Frances Farmer to back in the day.

The architect focused on the aesthetics of concrete elements, like cast concrete and visible raw concrete bricks, to give a powerful and sustainable appearance to the home. But then the many large windows offer a beautiful view of greenery as an extension of the house itself; from every corner of the house you can enjoy breathtaking views and a feeling of peace and serenity. 

On the ground floor there is a hallway, office space, living room, with a dining room and kitchen up a small flight of stairs. The architect used different levels and openness between each levels to create a sense of openness. Also note the many fixed wooden interior elements such as cupboards, drawers and other storage options. Climb another small set of stairs to find the five bedrooms and bathrooms. 

This is a unique example of pure brutalism which is aesthetically beautiful and yet at the same time focused on function. While the location is great: in the fields and forests yet close to modern amenities. And to be fair, the home needs an upgrade to contemporary comfort standards, but the unique Brutalist concept, while not everyone’s cup of tea, has been beautifully retained.

The Spaces

Architecture Wednesday: Villa Les Iris ... But First:

It looks like the really nasty stuff with stay to the south and east of Camden, but we're in for a lot of rain for the next twenty-four ...

Located next to the Parc du Cinquantenaire, near the Rue des Tongres, is the 'Villa Les Iris' built in 1898 by the architect Jules Barbier in Art Nouveau style—though the façade on the street side was modified in 1924 in an Art Deco style—and classified in its entirety since 2018.

The villa is roughly 7,000 square feet, with the through a small garden behind a wrought iron gate. The main floor showcases a mosaic entrance hall and grand staircase along with the living room with a marble fireplace, a study, a dining room and a separate kitchen that opens onto a terrace complete.

On the first floor—what we in America would call the second floor—there are 3 bedrooms, a bathroom and a shower room. The second floor offers 3 additional bedrooms and 2 more bathrooms. There are also two offices that can be converted into bedrooms. The roof has been completely renovated and the front and back facades have just been cleaned. In addition there is a large cellar and a garage for two cars.

There isn't much that I don't love about this one, though an elevator might be nice, and since it's listed for sale at a bit over $2 million, and features original details including curved marble fireplaces, herringbone flooring, high ceilings, large windows, and custom molding, with six bedrooms, it could make a very nice B&B …

Dwell