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SET IN THE HISTORIC…canal city of Bruges, Belgium, this late 18th century mansion recently received a full renovation, restoration, and redesign courtesy of local architect Glenn Reynaert and his talented in-house team of four. The ambitious client brief focused on bridging nearly two and a half centuries of architecture and design, while maintaining a focus on light, proportion, perspective, clean lines and modern-day comfort. Eight years later, here are the results… |
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COMPRISED OF…two main levels plus at top level for staff, the the new interiors were thoroughly researched – boasting, among other things, a wood paneled study meticulously scaled to match the paneling proportions found in a centuries old french castle, and several carefully preserved and restored 19th century wall paintings and Louis XV – XVI style rooms. |
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NESTLED AMONGST…the impressive historical details lies a thoroughly updated home, with modern luxuries ranging from underfloor heating to fireproof doors and a fully integrated home automation system. |
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IN THE KITCHEN…the architect opted to keep things clean and functional with minimal detailing and a limited palette of soft grays and whites. |
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THE ORIGINAL…Empire-style staircase was restored and reinforced via a new, concealed skeleton of strategically placed steel beams. |
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TUCKED IN…at the back of the residence, lies Reynaert’s largest intervention – a fully glazed, sensitively integrated orangery designed to add space, while simultaneously maintaining the physical and visible integrity of the home’s original facade. |
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THE GLAZED…enclosure was designed as equal parts timeless and contemporary, with the glass and steel construction hearkening back to the structure’s 18th and 19th century predecessors while the laser cut black “fins” and large swaths of glass ground it firmly in the realm of modern-day technology. |
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JUST ABOVE…the new orangery, 18th century style windows open to leafy views of a city that is as rich in history and modern-day energy as the newly revived home. Bravo Glenn! To view more from Glenn Reynaert, we invite you to visit this transformation of an enviable seaside oasis. |
Photogrpahy by Hendrik Biegs
