THE PROPERTY
The owner of this large loft in Antwerp immediately fell in love with its double-height lofty proportions, exposed brick walls and industrial details, all giving this modern home a decidedly 'New York' feel.
However, when her partner and his three boys moved in, they needed to re-think the whole space as it wasn't big enough to accommodate everyone. The owner, Francine De Caluwé, brought on architecture studio Mr Frank who created a suspended 'box' at mezzanine height, housing two additional bedrooms that hang down from the ceiling.
It wasn't exactly the most obvious solution; they had brainstormed and come up with several other solutions including a mobile box on wheels and extending the duplex with an extra platform, but this plan was the winning idea, and offered the best visual aesthetic.
It was a multi-functional idea that could work long-term too, as the bedrooms can be used for other purposes in future after all their children move out.
LIVING AREA
The building dates back to 1850, when it was a chapel. Since then the building has been used as a shop for ship and maritime materials, as the harbour is only a few kilometres away.
Present day, there's a home office on the ground floor, and the entrance to this loft sits on the first floor. The property has retained its industrial look, with exposed brick walls, an ornate ceiling, large sash windows and a dark blue epoxy floor – which has kept in pretty good shape the past 20 years, even with four children running around!
See Also:Explore A Light & Airy Loft In A Former Newspaper Printing House
The loft sits in an area of Antwerp that was underdeveloped 20 years ago when the owners bought it, but the past 20 years the area has seen a large amount of investment and noticeable gentrification. Now the neighbourhood is lively, with lots of restaurants and bars, shops and museums.
The meter-high sash windows overlook Antwerp's city centre.
Clever partitions divide up the space to create cosy areas. A block of storage with house plants on top creates a division between the main socialising space and a cosy snug area.
See Also:12 Lessons In Open-Plan Living From 3 Achingly Cool New York Lofts
Next to it is a slatted wood screen that doubles as a bookcase, creating a cosy reading area.
KITCHEN
The owners didn't want a typical kitchen look with a wall of cabinetry, and instead opted for just lower cabinets, leaving the exposed brick walls intact. Architect Piet Crevits designed a long aluminium kitchen island table, as well as a long dining table on wheels that you can slide under the kitchen workspace. This makes it modular and adjustable to the amount of people there are in the house, as floor space can be freed up.
See Also:This converted perfume factory is now a cool warehouse-style live/work space
KIDS' BEDROOMS
The floating mezzanine houses the kids' bedrooms.
The floating box connects through to a fixed corridor with a bathroom. The architect had to create this fixed structure in order to house the plumbing for the bathroom.
See Also:Explore An Industrial-Style Factory Conversion In Bow, east London
HALLWAY
Underneath the bathroom and corridor is the entrance and exit to the loft.
There's also a hallway area, with floor-to-ceiling storage for coats and shoes.
See Also:Boot Room Ideas andHallway Ideas
Architect: Piet Crevits
Photography: Mr. Frank, @mr_frank_photo
-
9 Things Making Your Home Look Cheap — Avoid These Interior Faux Pas to Retain the Charm of Your SpaceIf you're worried about dulling the elegance of your home, here are some common mistakes interior designers caution against
-
I’m a California Native — And This Coastal-Inspired Serena & Lily Duvet Is At Top Of My Christmas WishlistLet’s just say I know my linens (and a thing or two about luxury). Serena & Lily’s Sale of the Year is here, and I’m finally taking home the duvet of my dreams
-
Tour a mid-century house in Philadelphia with a modern take on Mad Men styleThis mid-century house in Philadelphia is a modern take on mid-century design and the perfect backdrop for this enviable collection of art and objects
-
This modern Edwardian house in Melbourne is small but mightyIt may be small, but thanks to its ingenious design, this Edwardian house in Melbourne makes family living a breeze
-
Old meets new in this apartment in New York's East Village - a former community centre built in 1860The owner of this loft-style apartment in New York's East Village mixes ancient and modern with timeworn pieces, design classics and his own abstract art...
-
Explore this super-contemporary coastal house in CornwallThis coastal house in Cornwall is all about drinking in the uninterrupted views of nature at its most raw, most pure…
-
Explore this spacious detached 1900s house in southeast London with stylish modern interiorsEdgy textures, luxe materials and a mix of vintage and bargain buys transformed a blank detached 1900s house in southeast London into a home full of personality.
-
This large house in west London is minimal yet playfulA firefighter’s pole in the kitchen and a slide down the stairs? This house in west London proves minimalism can also be fun.
-
Inside A Clever Garden Room That Doubles As A Chic Guest HouseThis striking garden room design incorporates a sleeping area, kitchenette, loo and shower, as well as plenty of storage space, making it ideal as both a self-contained guest house or a restful retreat to escape to.
-
This light and bright Victorian terrace in west London is relaxed yet stylishThis chic Victorian terrace in west London is full of clever ideas that allow it to evolve.
