SUBTLE RENAISSANCE

[ Antwerp ]

These pages A custom-made desk in steel and brushed oak by Nicolas Schuybroek centres the space, accompanied by a mid-century Pierre Jeanneret ‘Senate’ chair from the Chandigarh High Court, India, and a vintage Danish desk lamp. Smaller artworks by Guy Vandenbranden hang on opposite walls, with an understated Lumina Italia ‘Daphine Terra’ lamp accompanying the painting to the left. Behind the desk a commanding artwork by Tom Fecht grounds the space.

BELGIAN ARCHITECT Nicolas Schuybroek transformed a dilapidated townhouse into an elegant home for a young family. Original elements were maintained as much as possible while floors and volumes were restructured to create a better flow. What was the brief? When the owner approached us, we didn’t know each other at all and yet quite quickly there was a click. The brief was simple and minimal in a sense: rethink and restructure a townhouse in ruin – divided into low-key apartments – into something grand and elegant. What were the challenges of the space and how did you resolve them? The challenge was obviously the state of the building itself. The townhouse was fantastic; it had a beautiful facade and very high ceilings on every floor. It seemed, however, derelict, abandoned and had been badly redone in the mid-70s. A tremendous part of the work was to reimagine and reorganise all the floors to create a logical and open system. How would you describe the interior? Simple, subtle, elegant and timeless. We used a restrained material palette to enhance the art and furniture collection, such as the reclaimed wood floors, plaster-washed walls and high-gloss lacquered ceilings. There is also a single type of metal (canon de fusil) and stone (Iranian travertine) throughout the house. I love the oversized bathroom and kitchen: both spaces are very open and dramatic in a sense. Were any devices used to maximise the sense of space? We maintained the maximum ceiling heights as much as possible and created an open-plan sequence on every floor. What informed the selection of furniture, art, fittings and finishes? A part of the collection was already there when we started and, during the project, additional works were purchased and furniture pieces carefully selected. This exercise took quite some time, even after completion of the house. Were the owners happy with the execution? How do they use the space? Very happy. I think the biggest compliment I heard from them is how much they miss their home when they are travelling. Creating that level of homesickness is what we should aim for in all projects. ns-architects.com

This page In the kitchen a strictly geometric Pierre Jeanneret ‘Square’ table from Chandigarh, surrounded by ‘V’ cane chairs from the same collection, act as the heart of the space. Nicolas Schuybroek bowls for When Objects Work sit atop the table, lit from above by a striking pendant lamp by Louis Poulsen. Opposite page, from top Pieces by Nicolas Schuybroek for When Objects Work feature throughout the space. In the living room an Axel Vervoordt sofa in raw linen is accompanied by a pair of Arne Iversen ‘Easy’ chairs in green velvet, with a Janni Van Pelt ‘G4’ coffee table tying the space together.

This page An Apparatus Studio ‘Highwire’ pendant light sits above a ‘T21’ dining table by Pierre Chapo, with Pierre Jeanneret ‘Office’ cane chairs. The dining space is completed with a custom solid-oak and black-steel console by Nicolas Schuybroek. Opposite page With large glass windows opening out onto lush greenery, the office space’s focal point is a custom Nicolas Schuybroek solid-oak desk, accompanied by a Joseph-André Motte ‘Easy’ armchair. The office is further accented by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia ‘Book Blocks’ and a vintage Serge Mouille two-arm wall light. First designed in 1923 and now produced by Galerie MCDE of France, the double sloping wall sconce by architect and designer Pierre Chareau comprises two blocks of alabaster. Vintage wooden stool, one of a pair. The elevated bath looks out onto the treetops.

“I LOVE THE OVERSIZED BATHROOM AND KITCHEN: BOTH SPACES ARE VERY OPEN AND DRAMATIC IN A SENSE.”

This page “We used a restrained material palette to enhance the art and furniture collection, such as the reclaimed wood floors, plasterwashed walls and high-gloss lacquered ceilings,” says the designer. Bruder Fabrics carpet and curtains bring an additional softness to the space. Mario Bellini black storage cubes. Artwork is Meisje met brief, 1986, by Belgian artist Wilfried Pas.