Belgian-based JUMA Architects restore a grand old home in Brussels to its former glory – with a contemporary twist.
Project DT is one of the latest projects to be designed by Mathieu Luyens and Julie Van De Keere of JUMA Architects – named as part of our Top 10 International Designers list in 2020. JUMA Architects were asked to tackle the difficult task of restoring and expanding on the home after a previous architect had dismantled the interior. Through careful intervention, the Woluwe-Saint-Pierre manor house maintains its original charm and showcases the firm’s minimalist and modern style through a keen focus on light and volume.
The Pacha Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin for Gubi
The iconic CH24 Wishbone Chair by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen + Son
The living room reveals the home’s original character with detailed mouldings and skirting, featuring the Nebula Nine sofa by Diesel for Moroso Design, with a Ghyczy glass table at the centre
The Cassina 053 Capitol Complex dining chairs and Austere Chandelier by Hans Verstuyft for Trizo 21 complement the herringbone timber floors and dark cabinetry.
The three-storey home features a lower level complete with sauna, massage room, gym and a fifteen-metre long pool. Above, the entire first floor is designed for a master bedroom, accompanied by a generous dressing room, marble bathroom and study spaces. The kitchen, living and dining areas found on the upper level, adopt a contemporary style. Drenched in natural light, they enjoy access to a deck and views of the verdant garden below through floor-to-ceiling glazing that draws the outside within. As in the communal areas, the lower-level indoor pool also shows JUMA Architects’ devotion to natural light.
While JUMA Architects sought to create a modern home, they were careful to respect the home’s original mouldings, fireplaces and stairwell. Project DT reveals a balance of complementary old and new interior features, from the traditional stairwell railing to the bronze island bench in the kitchen. Herringbone flooring finds its way into nearly every space, with exception to the soft grey and white Carrara marble in the bathroom, nodding to the home’s historic character.
Just as the bedroom features a Serge Mouille wall light, the dressing room features a Serge Mouille pendant.
JUMA Architects’ approach to the interiors is enhanced through first-class fittings and tonal design pieces. The kitchen features tapware from VOLA, as well as the CH24 Wishbone Chairs by Hans J. Wegner. The living room fuses softness and sophistication with the Nebula Nine sofa by Diesel for Moroso Design, with a Ghyczy glass table at the centre. A gold-framed mirror sits above the classic fireplace. Classic Serge Mouille lighting can be found in the bedroom and dressing room areas, while the Austere Chandelier by Belgian design monarch Hans Verstuyft from Trizo21 crowns the formal dining area.
Project DT sees a Brussels manor return to a former grandeur while capturing JUMA Architects’ classic and minimalist eye through sensitive detailing and notable design pieces.
The Podia Table by Ferm Living by the indoor pool
The front facade sets the tone for the elegant interiors within.
