VVB
This building in pronounced Art Nouveau style was founded as a double residence in 1904 in the fashionable bathing town of Oostende.
In 1939, the building was divided into two properties, after which both parts of the building were separately maintained, rebuilt and refurbished in different phases. One of the buildings was almost completely destroyed during the First World War and subsequently rebuilt without taking into account the style of the original house.
The restoration and partial reconstruction was accuratly carried out and initially aimed at restoring the outer skin of the building to its original condition, with the reconstruction of the original Art Nouveau facade and the roof volume of the left building part. The restoration takes into account modern construction technologies that can be used to improve the building-physical characteristics and qualities of the original facades.
The bay windows were very brittle due to years of water infiltration and the replacement of the concrete and the use of new profiles had to ensure the necessary stability. New frames with original arc-shape replaced the exterior joinery on the facade of the restored left-hand building and the exterior joinery in the front and back facade of the buildings were completely restored.
We're mad about Art Nouveau
At the same time, the original destination of double-residence was resumed by reopening the original connections between the two building parts. Interior and comfort equipment have been improved and upgraded to current requirements and regulations. The timberwork in the stairways was restored and part of the stairs were built up again in the left-hand house. The specific yellowish glass panels were restored with glass from old stocks.
The festive interior weres decorated with carefully selected furniture from the period. One immediately feels 100 years back in time, as in a wonderful dream...
Photography: Koen Van Damme