- Interior
- Architecture & development
We have previously written about the soft contemporary architecture and interiors of JUMA architects. Today, we take you to a beautiful realisation in Brussels, called Project DT. Founders Julie van De Keere and Mathieu Luyens completely renovated an old mansion with the necessary challenges into a fresh, modern home with charm of its original glory.
The assignment for the recent Project DT, renovated by JUMA architects, primarily consisted of eliminating the drawbacks from the previous design. Apart from the fact that the client was not satisfied with the original design, JUMA was not given any specific assignment or requirements. And that was precisely the difficulty and challenge according to Mathieu Luyens, co-founder of the architectural firm. They started from a much more modern plan and design, but during the site visit it became clear that the client actually had a much more classical design in mind. As a result, the architects had to make a lot of adjustments by adding moulures, drawing more classical cabinets and adjusting the material choices, among other things. These classic elements contrast with the clean architecture. JUMA was able to combine and balance a modern design here with the old glory of the mansion. The combination of modern elements such as lighting and furniture with the more classical living space creates a wonderful mix.
Sober, classic and elegant.
Structurally, Project DT also presented some challenges. The mansion has a large layout and the already-executed carcass could not be changed, so the architects not only had to check their design against the client's desired style, but also had to adapt to this established layout. JUMA raised the floor and added large windows to allow more light in and to give access to the garden. As a result, the kitchen floor had to be raised as well, which provided a better and more beautiful connection between the multipurpose room and the outside. The kitchen and living area are on the ground floor, and the first floor has been completely converted into a master bedroom with a dressing room, bathroom and study. On the two upper floors, you will find four additional rooms with corresponding bathrooms. 
JUMA wanted a bolder palette of colours and materials, but the client did not want this and their customer is king. The walls and ceilings in the house are now painted in a very white colour. The master bathroom is also quite careful with the chosen Carrara and beige curtains. Still, Imagicasa finds the final choice of colours and materials in Project DT more than successful and, in our opinion, led to a sober but elegant and stylish result. A perfect balance between old and new, classic and modern, sophisticated and clean, sober and impressive. 
If you want to know more about Project DT by JUMA architects, please read the full article in Imagicasa Spring 2021. 
Photography by Annick Vernimmen