GRAEG - Renovation of a farmstead into a brasserie

For this project, the preservation of the building's character was key, with a preference for subtle enhancements rather than extensive restoration. We aimed to strike a delicate balance between old and new, creating a strong historical context as a foundation for contemporary interventions.

The new apertures in the façades, particularly in the former farmhouse and the barn, were designed to enhance the building's transparency. These openings will simultaneously showcase the new restaurant to passersby while increasing daylight and spatial depth in the interior.

The inseparability of architecture and interior design is paramount to this project. The new facade openings introduce new internal spatial lines, structuring the programme. Specific interventions, such as demolishing inner walls and integrating acoustic solutions, are proposed to optimise functionality and visual allure.

For this project a range of sustainable interventions were embraced:
- Geothermal heating: Beneath the surface, this restaurant taps into the Earth's natural warmth, reducing our reliance on traditional heating methods and minimizing our carbon footprint.
- Insulation: Like a warm embrace, our commitment to sustainability extends inward. By insulating the entire building from the inside, we not only ensure energy efficiency but also create a cozy atmosphere for you to enjoy, while maintaining the outside view. All windows are fitted with performant glazing.
- Eco-Friendly Material Choices: Every material chosen for this project aligns with an all-encompassing vision on sustainability. We have opted for eco-friendly options that stand the test of time.

Our aspiration is to create a space that is both harmonious and functional, where the historical and contemporary are in balance, breathing new life into this building, ensuring its relevance for years to come.

i.s.m.architecten

an architecture and interior architecture studio

ABOUT

i.s.m.architecten
(in samenwerking met architecten)

i.s.m.architecten (short for "in samenwerking met architecten," which translates to "in collaboration with architects") is a Belgian architecture and interior architecture office with a strong focus on spatial design and the design process. Since its inception in 2010, they have built up expertise through various projects, ranging from furniture pieces over opera scenographies to interior and exterior architecture

Each project starts with an open perspective. The creation process and its accompanying production lead to a focus which is then tweaked and refined. In this way, each undertaking becomes a means to evolve the design language, create new forms, or refine existing ones, pushing the practice towards new horizons leaning on a solid collaborative relationship with its clients.

office address:
lierseweg 108.2200 herentals

business address:
de merodelei 2 b4.2600 berchem

info@ismarchitecten.be
www.ismarchitecten.be

Ondernemingsnummer 0802813669
Gedragscode architecten

current office composition:

Hannah Corbett
Marie Goossens
Donald Huycke
Pieter-Jan Lerno
Koen Pauwels
Wim Van der Vurst

past collaborators:

Katrien Daeyaert
Yasemina Fotopoulos
Io Hendrickx
Eva Neefs
Willem Neyens
Burak Ozdemir
Hannelore Thomas
Cassandra Van Peer

©

Brussels, Belgium

Location

completion

client

program

architecture

interior architecture

photographs

GAASBEEK(BE)

ongoing

Kasteel Van Gaasbeek

Extension and renovation of a farmstead

i.s.m.architecten i.c.w. Origin Architecture & Engineering

i.s.m.architecten

Pieter-Jan Debuyst