- Architecture & development
In 2016, top architect Glenn Sestig had the opportunity to tackle Belgium's most impressive Brutalist penthouse: Léon Stynen's Riverside Tower. With a beautiful view of Antwerp framed by a concrete frame, this is an absolute architectural masterpiece.
"I am a chameleon, yes. And this penthouse was so good in terms of architecture, I didn't want to touch that."
Glenn, like the owner of the house, is a big fan of the iconic, Belgian, Modernist architect Léon Stynen. The renovation of the duplex penthouse on the top floor of this Riverside Tower was therefore a dream come true.
This building was built in 1972 by the architect duo Léon Stynen and Paul De Meyer. The latter lived there with his family for a while. After De Meyer's death, his wife lived there until 2015, when she sold it to a top Belgian fashion designer who had it renovated by Glenn. In the 1970s, this tower was one of the first high-rise blocks on the skyline of Antwerp. With its pedestal, focus on concrete, large glass panes and purified curves in windows and walls, this penthouse is an ode to another iconic architect – perhaps THE most iconic – Le Corbusier.
After completing earlier more glamorous and extravagant projects, this minimalist, Brutalist work was a completely different path for Glenn to take. But, as always, the architect was able to adapt perfectly to the needs and wishes of the client and the requirements of the architecture. "I am a chameleon, yes. And this penthouse was so good in terms of architecture, the new owner wanted to respect that and I didn't want to touch that. I did want to accentuate its beauty and make small additions or adjustments where functionally necessary," says Glenn. Techniques were renewed, the small kitchen was replaced by an Obumex kitchen 'by Glenn Sestig' in grey travertine and was moved to the garden side with a view of the marina. Concrete behind wood panels or under carpets was sandblasted and exposed. A few things were also added in the garden. They cast a round concrete table with a diameter of 2m and on the other side a concrete sitting tablet and a semi-circular wall.
Thanks to the renovation of Glenn Sestig, this penthouse from the 70s made the transition to the 21st century. He was able to restore the building to its former rugged glory and to modernise the iconic architecture without touching it. A beautiful, priceless result. "Seeing the millions of lights of the harbour glistening from your concrete desk in the evening is priceless. That's this penthouse anyway, because today you can't build a concrete bunker like this anymore," says Glenn.
All Images Courtesy of Glenn Sestig