- Interior
- Architecture & development
In the heart of Kontich, among green landscapes and quiet streets, stands a home that stands out for its unique brutalist character, combined with a timeless and refined aesthetic. Designed by architect Gom Saldien and realised by Van der Celen architectural interiors, this new building exudes a subtle strength, a contemporary oasis where robust forms and materials blend harmoniously with warmth and comfort.
The architecture of the house immediately stands out for its imposing and rugged forms, characterised by the use of visible on-site poured concrete ceilings. This raw and unfinished concrete emphasises the brutalist style and gives the interior an unpolished, industrial flair. Yet this powerful look is surprisingly accessible through the delicate and bespoke details incorporated into every aspect of the design. The concrete ceilings, pure and raw, find counterbalance in the carefully selected materials used elsewhere in the home, adding a certain softness and sophistication. One of the most striking elements is the custom-made cabinetry in black oak veneer, which recurs throughout the home. These custom-made cabinets, with their subtle texture and clean lines, enhance the timeless and minimalist look of the interior. The contrast between the dark wood and concrete textures creates a bold, yet balanced interaction, where raw and polished elements blend effortlessly. 
The kitchen, as the heart of the home, is a true eye-catcher and is a perfect fusion of functionality and aesthetics. The use of terrazzo worktops not only adds a touch of elegance, but also brings a subtle texture to the whole, softening the industrial setting without losing its robustness. The terrazzo, with its characterful stone patterns, makes the kitchen a work of art in itself and enhances the artisanal finish felt throughout the interior. Walls in the home are finished with microtopping, a sophisticated technique that creates a seamless and contemporary look. This even and modern finish creates a calm backdrop that highlights the light play of the natural patio. The patio, centrally located in the house, draws daylight deep into the house, flooding all rooms with a bright and serene atmosphere. This creates a unique interaction between outside and inside, where natural light interacts with the brutal and robust elements of the house. 
The use of terrazzo worktops also brings a subtle texture to the whole, softening the industrial setting without losing its robustness
To maintain a sense of warmth and homeliness, an oak parquet floor was chosen. This warm floor, contrasted with the industrial materials, brings a soft and natural touch that makes the space inviting. The floors form a base that exudes calm and comfort, and this balance between roughness and softness makes the interior a place where one immediately feels at home. As a playful and unique addition to the interior, we find a private bar executed in terracotta microtopping. This colourful bar forms a lively surprise in the home's otherwise subdued colour palette. The warm terracotta hue provides a playful contrast and offers a dynamic focal point in the space where family and friends gather. 
This total project by Van der Celen architectural interiors is an expression of strength and subtlety, of simplicity and depth. The interior design reflects a balance between robustness and elegance, with attention to every detail and complete coordination with the wishes of the residents. Through the unique collaboration with architect Gom Saldien and carpenter indeMAAK, a home has been created that is not only architecturally powerful, but also invites you to live, to enjoy and to feel at home. With this project, Van der Celen architectural interiors, with their profound focus on quality and craftsmanship, has created a contemporary refuge that is timeless, functional and exceptionally stylish. Here, brutalist forms and homely warmth meet in a harmonious whole, where every room exudes as much character as comfort. 
Photography by Tijs Vervecken
Text by Celien Hemelaer