In conversation with Oana Bogdan about de Mérode

To what extent did the original design of the ‘Hötel Particulier’, realised in 1912 for the princely de Mérode family, inspire your design process?

The design of the city palace undeniably influenced our approach. The noblesse oblige of the ‘Hôtel Particulier’ is reflected in the new volumes thanks to the reinterpretation of the vertical bay windows, the noble materialisation and the connection with the historic courtyard garden. The new buildings are introduced around the city palace in a harmonious and coherent way, from volumetrics to materiality and the proportions of facade openings.

From your experience, what characterises a successful redevelopment?

An existing building should never be forced. It is crucial to carefully observe it, understand it and hold it in its value, while complementing and enhancing it to create a balanced whole. A balance between respectful restoration and thoughtful renovation, complemented by appropriate new construction, is essential. We formed a complementary team with VDD Project Development, which has extensive experience in the redevelopment of heritage and historic buildings, while having high ambitions in the field of contemporary architecture. In public debate, we often argue that the quality of an architectural project is as high as the ambition of the client.

What specific adjustments were made to create a high-quality residential project on the site?

For the ‘Hôtel Particulier’, we searched for a programme compatible with the maximum preservation of the historically valuable interior elements located mainly on the ground floor. In that respect, an office infill was chosen on the ground floor. Preserving, for example, the authentic parquet floors and the detailed ornaments on the ceilings and walls, would not be possible if we were to use these spaces for another function. On the first, second and third floors of the ‘Hôtel Particulier’ there will be 3 very generous flats in which the historically valuable elements such as moulures and interior doors will be restored.

For the apartments in the new building volumes, we aimed at a diverse range and the highest living quality with optimal views, sunlight, large terraces and maximum functionality. Practical matters such as sufficient bicycle storage and parking were also examined and integrated. Moreover, all residences have both street and garden frontages, allowing all residents to enjoy the beautiful collective garden with a view of Parc Ten Bosch.

In what way did the location and urban environment influence the design of de Mérode?

The neighbourhood around the project combines a lot of greenery with a rich architectural diversity, including townhouses, modernist gems like the d'Ieteren garage. We absorbed this diversity and translated it into a coherent architectural language while also optimising the greenery of the courtyard garden. By keeping the building line open and the transparent fence with bars in the rue Hector Denis, there is an important visual link between the inner garden and the park, which can also be enjoyed by local residents.

How did the selection of materials go to make this project, which includes both restoration and new construction, feel like a whole?

The facades of the city palace provided the basis for the colour palette of the new construction, matching the colour of the joinery in bronze-coloured metal. The existing carriage entrance inspired us for the floor finish with wooden blocks in the new circulation areas. From the architectural diversity of the neighbourhood, we drew inspiration for the metalwork we used to design the system of gates enclosing the buildings, the entrance halls and the bike sheds.

What measures were taken to future-proof de Mérode?

Today's legislation provided clear guidance for this. Brussels annually tightens standards for insulation, energy, acoustics and water permeability of green spaces. Thanks to the integration of various modern techniques and the exclusion of gas, the project not only meets but exceeds these standards. Significant efforts are also being made in the area of sustainable mobility, such as the possibility of installing charging stations for all vehicles and the provision of 47 bicycle parking spaces spread across the site.

You have a lot of experience in the Brussels market. What distinguishes de Mérode from other projects in Brussels?

Noblesse oblige. de Mérode stands out for its exceptional history, unparalleled nobility and unique location next to Parc Ten Bosch. We have preserved the historical grandeur and combined it with modern living quality of the highest level. de Mérode undoubtedly sets a new standard for residential projects in Brussels.