de Mérode
051050.01
A new prestigious project. Where nobility lives on.
The ‘de Mérode’ project is the long-awaited redevelopment of the historic estate of the princely de Mérode family in Ixelles.
In addition to the meticulous restoration of the former city palace, the site will be enhanced by three new volumes in a pared-down architectural design inspired by 20th-century Art Nouveau.
Around the generous inner garden, which acts as a resting point and extension of the adjacent Tenbosch Park, the project introduces a diverse collection of new, refined residences characterised by an unsurpassed living experience with prestige, office spaces, public facilities and underground parking in one of the city's most coveted locations
Are you interested in an apartment in the 'de Mérode' project?
With a varied range of one- to four-bedroom apartments, from 60 to 315 m², including duplexes and penthouses, ‘de Mérode’ sets a new standard for urban living. Fill in the form to receive more information on the available offer.
Living in the most trendy, prestigious and green neighborhood of Brussels
de Mérode is located at Rue Washington 180-196 and Rue Hector Denis 13, adjacent to the peaceful Tenbosch Park and between the lively Châtelain neighborhood and the prestigious Place Brugmann. The project is surrounded by the trendiest shops, galleries, restaurants and cultural institutions of Ixelles and Brussels.
An impressive total project inspired by a rich past
The former palace of the de Mérode family, the Hôtel Particulier, will be meticulously restored. All the valuable historical elements, such as the façades, salons, ornaments and bay windows, will be restored to their original splendour. In addition, subtle, contemporary modifications will be made, inspired by the building's heritage values.
The project introduces three new volumes that fit perfectly into the historic and urban context. The sober architecture is inspired by the design of the Hôtel Particulier, with its characteristic vertical bay windows and porte cochère, as well as the Art Nouveau style of the early 20th century.
The new volumes will be built using noble materials such as natural stone and bronze-coloured joinery, creating a warm, refined appearance that blends harmoniously with the surroundings.
Noble living in the midst of greenery with impressive views
The varied and exclusive collection of residences - ranging in size from 60 m2 to 315 m2 and one to four bedrooms - is designed with the utmost care by renowned interior architect Arjaan De Feyter. Thanks to the imposing bay windows and ceiling heights, the interior spaces blend in perfectly with the exceptional views over the inner garden or Tenbosch Park. Each residence evokes a sense of grandeur and nobility in a sober, elegant and timeless atmosphere.
Sustainability as a foundation
Maximum ecology and sustainability were the key criteria chosen for the project. Modern and sustainable techniques, such as geothermal energy, solar panels and maximum heat recovery, are applied to minimize energy consumption. The buildings will be heated and cooled without using fossil fuels (no gas), allowing all apartments to enjoy optimal comfort all year round.
Architect - &bogdan
For the realization of this prestigious project, VDD joined forces with the Brussels architectural firm &bogdan, formerly known as BOGDAN & VAN BROECK ARCHITECTS.
This firm, founded in 2007, focuses on quality of life, activating public spaces and creating future-proof and circular cities. Belgian-Romanian architect Oana Bogdan, founder of the firm, assumed the role of Secretary of State for Cultural Heritage in the Romanian government in 2016. In 2021, she was appointed chairwoman of the expert commission “Good Living,” responsible for reforming the building code of the Brussels Region.
With impressive references such as Kanaal in Wijnegem, COOP, The Cosmopolitan and AMAL in Brussels, the firm has been nominated for or won awards several times, including the EU Mies Award, Brussels Architecture Prize, Brussels Horta Prize, IUPA Award, and more.
The city palace of the princely de Mérode family
In the late 19th century, during the urbanization of the outskirts of Brussels, new streets and plots of land were created in what was then rural Ixelles. On these new sites, near the Bois de la Cambre and opposite the Tenbosch Parc, Count Amaury Victorien Ghislain Gabriel Werner de Mérode (1855-1914) ordered the construction, in 1912, of a prominent, eclectic city palace with a generous inner garden. The Art Deco design was created by the Brussels architect Joseph Prémont. Although Werner de Mérode died already in 1914, the family continued to live there until 1954.
Repurposed into center for religious education
In 1954, the Catholic institution Maison Saint-Ignace bought the city palace and used it as both a residence and a training center for the Centre International Lumen Vitae, founded in 1946 by Jesuit Georges Delcuve. Due to the success of the center, the residence became too small, so in 1965 construction began of a modern addition in the garden, designed by architect J.L. Franchimont.
Ready for a new future
After 50 years, in 2016, the Saint Ignace community left the buildings on Washington Street and the site was purchased by heritage developer VDD Project Development. In 2024 - after intense negotiations and numerous preliminary discussions with authorities and governments - VDD obtained the final, enforceable permit.
