A former factory on the outskirts of Kortrijk is the setting for this brief. Today it consists of a stack of two stories high empty rooms (lofts), characterized by steel columns and ceilings in brick arches. Daylight enters via four vertical windows in the corner of the room.
Architecture & Interior design
- Naam: GRAUX & BAEYENS architects
- Contactadres: Desiré Fievéstraat 34 . 9000 Gent . Belgium
- /Fax: Tel. +32 9 330 34 93 . Fax. +32 9 329 02 75
- Website: graux-baeyens.be
- E-mailadres: info@graux-baeyens.be
Photography:
- Name: Luc Roymans Photography
- Website: roymans.com
Project data
- Function: dwelling
- Location: Kortrijk, BELGIUM
- Design year: 2011
- Construction year 2012-2015
- Ground floor 150 m²
- First floor: 92m²
The design of this loft is an exercise in filtering light. The undulating surfaces capture the light and let it gradually shift into shadow. Shadow is light.
The design consists of two levels, they individually drape around the existing columns and unfold themselves towards the windows. This curtain gradually absorbs light and separates the individual rooms of the living spaces. The uniqueness of place is created by variations of concave and convex lines, cantilevers and double-height ceilings.
Materials and textures:
Colom’s, window frames and ceiling are original. The curved walls are finished in a custom made lime technic that is treated with several pigments. The white polyurethane floors reflext the light.
GRAUX & BAEYENS architecten
GRAUX & BAEYENS architecten is a Belgium-based architectural studio led by Koen Baeyens and Basile Graux
The practice operates in the field of contemporary architecture, interior and product design. The office is realizing a variety of projects in Belgium ranging from single family dwellings, nightclubs, office buildings and design furniture.
GBA strives to create ideas that result in one clear formal concept that emerges through continuous questioning and production.
