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Situated within a residential block on the outskirts of Ghent’s city center, the Brewery Reconversion project by AUX bureau voor architectuur en stedenbouw breathes new life into the remnants of the 19th-century Ghentbruges Steambrewery. Nestled amidst townhouses and historic structures, this former brewery site bears witness to a bygone era of industrial innovation and craftsmanship.

Unveiling the Brewery’s Legacy

Founded in 1890 and named after its pioneering use of steam-driven machinery, the Ghentbruges Steambrewery was once a thriving hub of beer and soda production in Ghent. However, the ravages of World War I and the challenges of small-scale brewing eventually led to its decline, leaving behind a legacy of architectural remnants and faded glory.

A Journey of Revitalization

Since 2010, efforts have been underway to revitalize the brewery site, with existing structures repurposed into single-family homes and commercial spaces. The project has welcomed new inhabitants, including artisans and creatives, injecting fresh energy into the once-abandoned enclave.

Embracing Adaptive Reuse

In 2016, attention turned to the iconic water tower and adjacent brewery building, marking the final phase of the site’s transformation. The adaptive reuse of these historic structures posed a unique challenge, requiring innovative solutions to merge industrial heritage with contemporary functionality.

Transforming Space: From Brewery to Home

The brewery building, with its distinctive pitched roofs and storied past, underwent a remarkable metamorphosis into a residential haven. By integrating the water tower and brewery as a unified complex, the project maximized space and functionality while preserving architectural integrity.

Blending Past and Present

Throughout the reimagined spaces, echoes of the brewery’s industrial past resonate alongside modern comforts. From restored façades to repurposed interiors, the project pays homage to history while embracing contemporary living.

Elevating Living Spaces

The water tower, once a symbol of industrial prowess, now stands as a beacon of modern living. Its interior spaces have been transformed into luxurious residences, with meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful design elements.

Creating Urban Oases

The addition of a rooftop garden and front courtyard enhances the site’s urban appeal, providing residents with tranquil outdoor retreats amidst the bustling cityscape.

Harmonizing Form and Function

Each space within the reconverted buildings tells a story, blending functionality with aesthetic allure. From the airy living areas to the intimate bedrooms, every detail is carefully curated to create a seamless fusion of past and present.

Celebrating Heritage, Embracing the Future

As the Brewery Reconversion project nears completion, it stands as a testament to the power of adaptive reuse and the enduring legacy of Ghent’s industrial heritage. With its blend of history, innovation, and contemporary design, it embodies the spirit of transformation and renewal that defines the city’s urban landscape.

Borgo Gallana Bed & Breakfast comprises three traditional white stone houses nestled amidst olive trees in the serene countryside of Oria, Puglia. Studio Andrew Trotter, building upon two existing structures on the site, conceived a tranquil courtyard nestled between them, flanked by staircases on either side. The extension of the existing properties resulted in the creation of three self-contained houses, each meticulously designed to offer a harmonious blend of comfort and authenticity.

Intimate Retreats: House Design

House 1: Featuring a king-sized bed, a bathroom with a shower, a spacious living/dining room adorned with an original fireplace, a well-appointed kitchen, a private courtyard boasting an outdoor bath/shower, and a secluded terrace complete with an outdoor kitchen and dining area, stone sofa, and a charming lemon tree garden.

House 2: Comprising a king-sized bed, a bathroom with a shower, an expansive living/dining/kitchen space, a private courtyard with an outdoor bath/shower, and a serene terrace furnished with a stone bench and outdoor kitchen facilities.

House 3: Offering a king-sized bed, a bathroom with a shower, a combined dining/kitchen area, a secluded courtyard with an outdoor bath/shower, and a private terrace featuring an outdoor kitchen and dining area, stone sofa, and a picturesque lemon tree garden.

Tranquil Oasis: Poolside Escape

Across the expanse of the property lies a 40-square-meter pool, beckoning guests to indulge in moments of relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the tranquil surroundings.

Architectural Elements and Materiality

Throughout the property, vaulted ceilings and sleek cement floors create an atmosphere of understated elegance. Local sandstone “tufo” takes center stage as the primary material for the construction of structures, lending a sense of authenticity and connection to the surrounding landscape. Bespoke bathroom sinks and meticulously crafted kitchen tops further underscore the attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Curated Interiors: Vintage Charm and Contemporary Comfort

The interiors are thoughtfully curated with vintage tables, chairs, ceramics, and lamps, alongside contemporary brands such as Frama, Lumina, Bongio, Tine K, and Gervasoni, as well as locally sourced tableware from Nicola Fasano. Outdoor spaces are adorned with Studio Andrew Trotter’s outdoor metal wall lamps, finished in a sleek black powder-coated finish, adding a touch of sophistication to the alfresco ambiance.

In essence, Borgo Gallana Bed & Breakfast embodies a serene retreat where tradition meets contemporary comfort, inviting guests to unwind and immerse themselves in the timeless beauty of the Puglian countryside.

bonbori Restaurant is a yakiniku establishment situated in a bustling neighborhood near Omori Station, surrounded by a plethora of dining options. To stand out in this competitive landscape, the architects opted for a semi-private seating arrangement, aiming to offer a differentiated dining experience.

Embracing Existing Elements

During the renovation process, the existing interior revealed traces of GL bond, concrete frames, and rough concrete blocks. Rather than altering the original structure, the decision was made to retain and integrate these elements into the design. Tiles were selected as the primary interior finish, chosen for their tactile quality that complemented the existing framework.

Craftsmanship and Texture

Each tile was meticulously ground to remove the glaze, imparting an earthy texture reminiscent of the material itself. Black tiles were treated to reveal their natural color and warm yellowish tint, distinguishing between the main hall and the private rooms. The design of the guest rooms, characterized by meandering partitions and zigzag floor plans, echoes the building’s façade.

Spatial Composition

The entrance and exit of the guest rooms are designed as short “nijiriguchi”-like inequilateral triangular openings, balancing openness with privacy. Illuminated by spotlights, the tiled surfaces showcase the craftsmanship of handiwork, accentuating the interplay between light and texture. The overarching goal was to create a cave-like ambiance that enhances the dining experience, enveloping patrons in the essence of simplicity and earthiness.

In essence, bonbori Restaurant represents a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, weaving together elements of the past with contemporary design sensibilities to create a unique gastronomic destination.