De Clercq
Situated on the corner of two streets, this apartment features an exceptionally long façade with large windows. The home follows the bend of the street profile; this unusual shape served as our starting point for the new layout. The internal twist creates interesting niches and spaces that are both interconnected and intimate. Many characteristic details have been preserved, from stained-glass windows to the original floor beams. New interventions have been carefully detailed: we selected materials that each serve as distinct focal points within the design. The result is a layered and characterful home where old and new are in balance.
The home originally consisted of a single level with a traditional storage attic above. The brief was to transform both levels into a fully fledged apartment with three bedrooms, without compromising the openness of the living spaces. Designing an internal connection played a central role in this. To keep the main floor as open as possible, a slender steel spiral staircase was introduced, running from the living level all the way up to the roof terrace.
Although otherwise minimal in its material palette, natural stone takes centre stage in the kitchen. For the backsplash, we selected a bold stone with rich veining. By extending its pattern across the full 6 metres, the kitchen becomes a bold statement feature.
Situated on a corner, the floorplan bends, placing the seating area slightly out of view from the kitchen. This enhances the intimate character of the space, further emphasised by soft materials and a warm colour palette. A fabric-clad sliding door conceals a generous workspace, which can also function as an additional bedroom.
In all our designs, we consider it important to provide ample space for displaying personal items. Triangular niches, shaped by the geometry of the plan, accommodate objects and art. We also designed a custom window bench, an inviting place to sit, with integrated compartments for books.
The staircase not only plays an essential role in connecting the different levels but is also designed as a spatial element that takes on a distinct identity on each floor. The combination of a green wall, slender steel steps that seemingly defy gravity, and the natural light from the skylight transforms even the hallway into a remarkable space.
The bedroom level is cosy and atmospheric, retaining the original wooden floors and low beams, preserving the character of the former attic. The client’s wish to create a wellness-like ambiance is reflected in a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and a freestanding bespoke vanity. Materials such as textured glass, wood, and polished concrete contribute to a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
Design team
Elwin van Heyningen
