In a collaborative effort with Lies Mertens, we embarked on the project named "Patina," aimed at transforming two levels into distinct guesthouses, each equipped with a private bathroom. Our approach to revitalizing the space involved a series of modest interior interventions, strategically reconfiguring circulation patterns and creating individualized bathrooms. A central objective throughout was the maximization of material reuse. Notably, we discovered exquisite antique tiles tucked away in the cellar, which found new purpose adorning the first-floor bathroom. Their arrangement echoed the existing flooring, seamlessly blending the new with the old.
To achieve this cohesive fusion, meticulous attention was devoted to the quantification of each tile and the arrangement of colors, resulting in an intricate puzzle of hues and patterns. The synergy between spaces was upheld through the use of glass bricks, delicately enclosing select openings. This deliberate choice ensured continuous visual connection while ushering in abundant natural light.
Resourceful transformations were also evident in the treatment of sinks. By repurposing existing sinks and ingeniously incorporating mirror structures, guests were granted a practical shelf for their belongings. The strategy of using glass for doors persisted, with a creative twist. In lieu of opting for new acoustic doors, we employed aged leather from Lies Mertens to both cover the glass surfaces and enhance acoustic performance. Further sustainability emerged as leftover carpet fragments found new life as bespoke floor coverings.
Our design narrative pivoted around amplifying the bed experience, giving rise to two distinctive concepts for the guestrooms. In the first room, a multifunctional central bed doubled as a sofa, harmoniously integrating art pieces and facilitating free movement around its structure. The second floor unveiled a captivating platform, cocooned in plush carpeting that extended across the floor. The outcome was a unified expanse resembling an expansive, inviting bed. The bed seamlessly melded with the platform, forming a seamless plane adorned with inviting pillows, an invitation to unwind, read, and relax.
The bathroom walls received a warm embrace through the application of BC material plaster, an environmentally conscious material crafted from reclaimed resources. This finish imparted both tactile and visual warmth, softening the contours and edges of the space. The journey of "Patina" was one guided by resourcefulness, design innovation, and an unwavering commitment to crafting spaces that not only honor the past but enrich the present experience.
‘Cagnois’
The Cagnois lamps, named after the residents of Cagnes-Sur-Mer, were crafted for a renovation of a vacation home in the area. The glass components within these lamps, responsible for dispersing light into various concentric circles, are typically used as sealing cones and plugs on construction sites for concrete walls. Here, they have been repurposed. Concealed behind the glass is a specially designed 3D-printed element that houses the LED light source. This element securely fits into the glass structure, ensuring all components remain connected. Finally, a stainless steel metal pipe encases the inner system, providing a cohesive assembly and finish`.
Produced by Cone Lighting
Photo by Evenbeeld
Breeze blocks are typically used in tropical countries to construct walls, featuring perforations to allow the breeze to run through. The Bc Breeze Blocks, are crafted from rammed earth,’ an innovative material developed by BC Materials as a sustainable alternative to concrete. Rammed earth is an environmentally- conscious substance made from recycled sand and clay sourced from excavation sites in Brussels, originally intended for construction. Molds were created to shape each of these bricks, and they were individually handcrafted to provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional concrete claustra blocks, featuring a rugged finish.
In collaboration with Bc Materials
Photo by Senne & Eefje
A mirror that allows you to simultaneously see various perspectives of both the surrounding space and the individual positioned before it. This innovative mirror is made from gleaming polished stainless steel with a varnished oak back. The mirror is made of two different parts which interlock into each other like a zipper and are held together in the middle with a single pin, allowing it to pivot.
Produced by Atelier Moulin & Clou
Photo by Senne & Eefje
In a collaborative effort with Lies Mertens, we embarked on the project named "Patina," aimed at transforming two levels into distinct guesthouses, each equipped with a private bathroom. Our approach to revitalizing the space involved a series of modest interior interventions, strategically reconfiguring circulation patterns and creating individualized bathrooms. A central objective throughout was the maximization of material reuse. Notably, we discovered exquisite antique tiles tucked away in the cellar, which found new purpose adorning the first-floor bathroom. Their arrangement echoed the existing flooring, seamlessly blending the new with the old.
To achieve this cohesive fusion, meticulous attention was devoted to the quantification of each tile and the arrangement of colors, resulting in an intricate puzzle of hues and patterns. The synergy between spaces was upheld through the use of glass bricks, delicately enclosing select openings. This deliberate choice ensured continuous visual connection while ushering in abundant natural light.
Resourceful transformations were also evident in the treatment of sinks. By repurposing existing sinks and ingeniously incorporating mirror structures, guests were granted a practical shelf for their belongings. The strategy of using glass for doors persisted, with a creative twist. In lieu of opting for new acoustic doors, we employed aged leather from Lies Mertens to both cover the glass surfaces and enhance acoustic performance. Further sustainability emerged as leftover carpet fragments found new life as bespoke floor coverings.
Our design narrative pivoted around amplifying the bed experience, giving rise to two distinctive concepts for the guestrooms. In the first room, a multifunctional central bed doubled as a sofa, harmoniously integrating art pieces and facilitating free movement around its structure. The second floor unveiled a captivating platform, cocooned in plush carpeting that extended across the floor. The outcome was a unified expanse resembling an expansive, inviting bed. The bed seamlessly melded with the platform, forming a seamless plane adorned with inviting pillows, an invitation to unwind, read, and relax.
The bathroom walls received a warm embrace through the application of BC material plaster, an environmentally conscious material crafted from reclaimed resources. This finish imparted both tactile and visual warmth, softening the contours and edges of the space. The journey of "Patina" was one guided by resourcefulness, design innovation, and an unwavering commitment to crafting spaces that not only honor the past but enrich the present experience.