The project
Unmistakeably Urban, Completely Convivial
There are two sides to the neighbourhood. On one hand, the area moves to the rhythm of the flourishing commercial thoroughfare: a mix of the most prestigious stores side by side with the small boutiques, coffee bar, restaurants and terraces which have now become a true Ixellois institution. The oldest mussel restaurant in Brussels (dating back to 1882!) is next to the extremely trendy Saint-Boniface. Brussels’ traditional bistros stand alongside fashionable bars: contrast and juxtaposition lie at the very heart of the neighbourhood, for everyone to enjoy. On the other hand, the calmness of the neighbouring streets make them perfect for strolling through.
Over the last two centuries, this neighbourhood has played host to innumerable artists, politicians, exiles and scientists. It is quite normal to come across copper plaques bearing the names of Baudelaire, Lenin, Marx, Proudhon, Charles de Coster, Michel de Ghelderode, or many others. They also include some occasionally more sinister figures, since these were the streets where Raymond “la Science” Callemin once prowled as part of the Bonnot gang, and more recently, François Besse, right-hand man of Jacques Mesrine, public enemy number one back in the 1970’s!
In terms of culture, the same wealth of attractions can be found: from the Museum of Ixelles to the Museum of Architecture via the Saint-Boniface church and the ‘Flagey’ – the cultural centre dedicated entirely to music and image; there really is something for everyone. For lovers of markets, the one on the Place Flagey known as “le Paquebot” is an absolute must, both for the quality of the products sold and the compulsory pit-stops at the various food points. Visitors mustn’t forget to pop into the always crowded ‘café Belga’, with its diverse and welcoming clientele.
A thriving district in keeping with its neighbour, the Châtelain, the benchmark of good living!
Marc Corbiau
An ambitious project requires very specific talents. With this in mind, we immediately contacted the architect Marc Corbiau, with whom we have already worked on a number of projects including the Parc Savoy and Louise 430, to enlist him once again to take on this new challenge. Marc Corbiau is one of the leading lights of contemporary Belgian architecture. For over 40 years, he has been building or redeveloping residential villas and prestigious apartments, characterised by clean lines, stripped-down spaces and ubiquitous brightness.
The Project
This project will consist of 33 apartments of 5 different types: from studios to 4-bedrooms properties, each one with a terrace or balcony. A fifth floor will be added on top of the current four-storey building: this will be a single-floor four-sided penthouse which will enjoy the full length of the wonderful front terrace and balconies at the rear. The ground floor will house 4 garden-level apartments at the rear and 4 office units at the front. Finally, the project also includes, the basement level, as well as car and bike parks.
ARCHITECTURE
At the top of the rue Souveraine, a stone’s throw away from the place fernand Cocq, avenue Louise and the place Stéphanie, electrabel had a large office block built towards the end of the 1960s, very much in keeping with the wave of transformation sweeping the city at the time. We have decided to purchase the building and transform its function by developing a range of high-quality apartments, with an extra floor, while ensuring that the facade of the building is in keeping with the street’s general aesthetic.
High-quality features
- Optimising energy efficiency
- Reinforced doors with 10 locking points
- Fully-equipped American Liedssen kitchens
- Oak parquet flooring
- Double flow ventilation system
- Video entry control systems
- Under-floor heating
