august the Molteni&C Contract Project by Vincent Van Duysen

The project consists of three gardens and five public buildings, all in the neoclassical spirit. One can still sense the sober, understated life of the convent nuns. The chapel and public entrance are much more elaborate than the rest, in keeping with their important purpose. Utilising new technology – well known in the shipyards of Antwerp’s harbour – the military performed tests on the contemporary steel structure that complements the master plan of brick buildings. All design decisions have been guided by a respect for the existing architecture, with the wilful intent not to let the necessary structural works create any visual impediments.

Nestled in the winter garden is the restaurant, whose glass roof emphasises its central function within the complex. Carefully restored decorative profiles and doors, along with hand-painted tiles and white marble, as seen in the chapel, are the undisputed protagonists in these internal spaces, where again, black elements represent the new, providing contrast and gently bringing contemporary life to the project. Respecting 19th-century traditions, the fixtures and fittings are tailor made, with lighting by Flos and furniture by Vincent Van Duysen for Molteni&C, each and all of which have been specially developed.