Welcome to our gallery featuring the fantastic Chateau d’eau designed by the fantastic Bham Design Studio.
In the midst of the flat, golden Belgian plains is a water tower built between 1938 and 1941. Originally built for the nearby village of Steenokkerzeel, the water tower was used by the Nazis during World War II. The water tower was finally taken out of service in the early 1990s, and was listed in 2004 as a protected heritage site. The building was bought by a couple who then hired Bham Design Studio to renovate the interior into a single-family home and restore the exterior to its original state in 2008.
The home’s open and modern design features intense attention to detail, particularly when it comes to marking the old concrete from the new. All visible concrete elements on the interior are painted dark gray, which creates gorgeous contrast within the home’s soaring spaces.
On the top of the building, a rooftop patio and terrace provides beautiful panoramic views of the vistas and the airport close by.
Interior Architecture, garden, and terrace by Mauro Brigham, BHAM Design Studio
Renovation of Exterior and Structural works by Wouter Bilzen, MUNA
Above photo by Xavier Hang
This massive brick and concrete water tower has been fitted with immense windows to provide the space with plenty of natural light. Huge windows at the top of the tower afford the top floor a magnificent view.
Photography by Olivier Papegnies.
A small nook behind one of the staircases is fitted with a small hole in the door in the shape of a cat’s head. The litter box is neatly contained behind this door, which opens for easy cleaning.
Photography by Jasmine Van Hevel.
The main floor kitchen, living room, and dining areas are integrated into the rest of the building via multiple staircases. This spiral staircase in the center of the room leads up to a steel bridge and a ladder to the next floor. The staircase is enclosed in chalkboard material, which adds whimsy to this modern space.
Photography by Jasmine Van Hevel.
A closer look at the kitchen reveals the smooth, white minimalist countertops and cabinetry. The high-end appliances are neatly and seamlessly included in the cabinetry.
Photography by Jasmine Van Hevel.
The angular kitchen countertop creates a small bar area that flows into the dining room. Dark wood floors contrast sharply with the white countertops and cabinetry.
Photography by Jasmine Van Hevel.
The kitchen is rimmed in a stainless steel balustrade, that when looked over, reveals the ground floor of the building. If you were to look up, you’d see the next floor.
Photography by Jasmine Van Hevel.
The beautiful wooden flooring merges into a sleek white tile floor that matches the minimalist kitchen. The dining table is in a matching sleek white, while the dining chairs favor darker tones.
Photography by Jasmine Van Hevel.
On the opposite side of the chalkboard staircase is a massive black wicker sectional topped with pristine white cushions and accented with dark taupe pillows. An ottoman can be pushed up against the chaise or used as extra seating.
Photography by Jasmine Van Hevel.
The next floor up contains the spacious bathroom, with one wall entirely in long black tiles. Bright orb lights dot the wall between the mirrors. The two matching vessel sinks curve sensually on the minimalist black vanity.
Photography by Jasmine Van Hevel.
A close up of the bathroom’s mirror reveals the sleek way the lights have been integrated into the wall.
Photography by Jasmine Van Hevel.
The freestanding soaking tub sits in the center of a platform in the same long, thin black tiles as on the wall behind the sinks. Steps lead up to this tub for a feeling of grandeur.
Photography by Jasmine Van Hevel.
One of the most stunning features of this home are the staircases that wind through the structure, sometimes right next to each other, as these two staircases do.
Photography by Jasmine Van Hevel.
At the top of the home is the rooftop terrace, which features an outdoor shower and beautiful vistas of the neighboring town, airport, and of the open flatlands.
Photography by Jasmine Van Hevel.
A final view of the home at night shows the way the lights bounce off the concrete stripes, almost making this home seem to glow.
