August is more than just a place to stay. It is a destination, an urban oasis for guests, people casually passing by and Antwerp locals. This building speaks its own language, and we listen to it attentively. We have retained the former Augustinian convent’s soul, while also enhancing its character. And thus, august also becomes a way in which we can express ourselves. The interior pays a warm and timeless tribute to life in the convent. With the publicly accessible ground floor and the guest rooms on the floors above, it has become a sanctuary in the midst of a vibrant neighbourhood, a place where you can easily walk in and enjoy a good glass of wine and a delicious family dinner. Everything you see or touch has been specially designed for this place. August is a haven where heritage and the contemporary experience embrace each other. It is a place where you can recharge your batteries, unwind and enjoy seasonal dishes. Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city and surrounded by greenery, it is open to all. August is a place where you feel safe and secure.
In this book we dive into our DNA, filled with remarkable details that collectively tell our story. We invite you to join us in exploring august throughout the year, from the smell of fresh coffee while delighting in the first rays of spring sunshine to the crackling fire in the library on a cosy winter evening. Just as every day turns out differently, each section of this book is characterised by its own trait, eclectic in the bar, refined in the restaurant and revitalising in the spa. We absorb the aromas, reveal the contours, pay tribute to craftsmanship and record developments to the rhythm of the seasons. Like nature and the city, august constantly shows a different side of itself. In an informal atmosphere, we created a place that complements our city, a place for you and us. Experience our warm-hearted promise of feeling like you are coming home. It is a place where we filter out the noise and where memories are made. Experience its atmosphere and unique setting in the Green Quarter (‘t Groen Kwartier).
Welcome to august.
Meeting with Vincent Van Duysen
The fact that august became an instant classic is partly thanks to architect Vincent Van Duysen. He provides places with an identity. His permanent search for beauty is something he has in common with Mouche, owner of august, and that is what connects them.
August was the Antwerp local’s first hospitality project, not entirely unexpected in his own city and certainly not coincidentally with Mouche, as personal touch is very important.
“I refused all previous hotel projects because I didn’t want to go down the corporate road, but I felt flattered by Mouche asking me. There was a fantastic synergy between us.
I felt we could achieve something exceptional, which exudes intimacy, in relation to the surroundings and in Antwerp, still the place I call home. Creativity is my longevity. My mission is to be inspired, but also to inspire the world, August is a prime example of that. Mouche and I injected our ideas in tandem.
During our travels, we both also explicitly seek out those places where we feel at home. Anyone staying or dining at august experiences a special form of Antwerp exoticism. We didn’t create a hype that will be outdated in five years, but a reference point for Antwerp and Belgium.”
August breathes uniqueness.
From the beginning, the key question was to find a way to give a historic monument character while respecting the essence of the monastery. We found the answer thanks to the guidance of heritage architect Wouter Callebaut, who knows how to tackle historical architectural challenges.
Van Duysen’s delicate hand is visible. He is not garish and is able to perfectly tune into an atmosphere. “We retained the spiritual and contemplative aspects of the convent as atmospheric elements. We aligned this philosophy with the specific functionalities of a hotel, which require a certain flow. Many interventions are not visible to the naked eye but are crucial for the operational side of things. The combined experience of Mouche and myself proved to be an asset. Thus, the chapel was given a new lease of life as a bar and eclectic epicentre, with the former altar serving as bar furniture and the eye-catcher. The kitchen used to be the Mother Superior’s office. Restraint reigns in almost all other areas, including the spa with the swimming pond and the library reserved for guests. Everything had to be just right; it is all about the experiential
aspect and entering the environment from a sensorial perspective.”
“We built a contemporary entrance where the facade once was located. On the opposite side of the road, is a boutique. We created a little square marking the two opposite buildings. This accentuates the experience of ‘arriving’. The entrance itself is welcoming and visitors are overcome by a sense of homeliness, inviting them to unwind and surrender to their thoughts and feelings. The whole complex exudes that feeling, with a colour palette that is partly reflected in the choice of materials. The furniture is somewhat archaic and echoes traditional convent furniture that we designed with a modern twist. The dark green that became the hotel’s signature colour was present in one of the original panels that we recovered. Nothing happens by chance here. There is only one august in the world.”
“We wanted to make august unique, not for it to serve as a benchmark. Five years later, it appears we made the right choices, both in visual and tactile terms. August feels like a modern meditative haven to me. We retained much out of respect and we demonstrated that
architecture serves history. Augustinian nuns still slept in some of the smaller rooms. There are also suites and in the attic, you sleep under the original beams.” It all exudes the same, almost sacred atmosphere, complete with every comfort, discreetly, and without any obtrusive home automation screens.
In every room on the wall, hangs a small landscape painting by an unknown artist.
“Very subtle. The frame was removed, as if the little works had been there since the convent existed,” the architect concludes.
in spring
Spring feeling. On an early morning in March, the Green Quarter is still coloured white with frost and fog. The sun will soon appear from behind a wall, warm up the day and shine its soothing light through the glass windows. It lies in wait, almost hidden like a treasure in Antwerp, the diamond city. The district has been designed to engage in dialogue with its surroundings. Since the beginning of the last century, the site has been known as the Military Hospital, a function it fulfilled until the late 1990s. On this secluded location, the Belgian Ministry of Defence produced medicine for Belgian troops and cared for wounded soldiers.
The eight-hectare estate consists of multiple service buildings and a convent where Augustinian nuns used to live and work from 1912 onwards. Today, august is a modern-day sanctuary that retains its original Flemish neoclassical details.
Arrival. When we arrive, we see an impressive black awning that accentuates the main entrance, providing an elegant contrast with the red brick facade. It is flanked by a linear gallery that leads to other areas of the former Military Hospital. Full of anticipation, we are already looking forward to exploring the entire site during our stay. August’s contemporary design envelops us as we leave the bustling city behind. As soon as we enter the building, we feel at ease. We are warmly welcomed at the reception desk. To our right, we first notice the bar, which is enticing, eclectic and bathed in natural light. This is not a bad way to make an entrance.
We arrive on a Monday afternoon, when the last couples are leaving the hotel after a relaxing weekend and the first business travellers are checking in. It is not difficult to feel at home right away in this environment. The building still feels like a divine sanctuary; the concept as a whole radiates space and tranquillity. The soul and power of the place resonate around us in whispers. The place can be compared to a subtle but generous perfume, which one can never pass by indifferently. We sense this as soon as we check in. We immediately feel like guests in a cosy home.
The architecture encourages us to slow down. It heightens our senses. During our stay, we look, smell, touch and listen. The atmosphere and history of the place are palpable, but also mysterious and melancholic, contemporary and warm. Where nuns once cared for sick or injured men, guests are now cared for in one of the 44 guest rooms, the restaurant, the bar, the spa and the two gardens.
Our room, which we enter with a physical key, awaits behind a door on the top floor. It was the only time we took the elevator because it is worth repeating the experience of the monumental stairwell. Light doesn’t need a lot of space here to work its magic. The room under the beams looks intimate and welcoming right away. The Egyptian linen, original materials and light-coloured wood set the mood and give a cosy feel. The spacious and concealed bathroom has a free-standing bathtub, the promise of ultimate pleasure.
a Thursday in April
Aperitif. As the light dances across wood and stone, shadows move to the dynamics of the day. Together, they elevate compositions, lend depth to textures and enhance the power of materials. Inspiring buildings like this one are animated by light. It is ever-changing, depending on the time of day, from diffuse lighting to the powerful rays of the sun. Small details and surface textures are highlighted, creating a surprising effect. This is especially true in the former convent chapel, repurposed as a lounge and bar with nine stained-glass windows and a high ceiling. We marvel at this striking eye-catcher. The setting has a lasting impact, the ambiance is convivial and contemporary. Cocktails are now prepared at the former altar, which is by no means a sacrilege. The sound of a cocktail shaker puts us in the mood. We see a young lady walking to the spa with two glasses of champagne and choose two harmoniously blended cocktails ourselves: a Negroni and a Sakura Mule. They are accompanied by bar bites: padron peppers and a dip made of smoked paprika and goat cheese.
The chapel used to serve as the centre of the convent – today it is the heart of august. The midnight black colour of the vaulted ceiling gives the chapel a spacious character. The space is divided by sumptuous, comfy sofas from Molteni&C and half-height partitions. Lighting by Flos accentuates the areas where it is needed. The current design in the chapel matches the authentic marble, restored mouldings and hand-painted tiles. The decoration was deliberately kept minimal and forms a subtle contrast to the dark colour of the smoked oak. Traditions are revived with contemporary touches while the mirrors create the illusion of extra space. The historic charm prevails throughout. It feels like a place where everyone is welcome.
THE GREEN QUARTER AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
Life outside the walls beckons and we set off exploring. In addition to the personality of the building itself, august’s character is defined by its surroundings and the spaciousness of the Green Quarter. The neighbourhood has been on a creative journey for the past decade. Today more than ever, it is part of the city, but it also serves as an extension thereof. August is adjacent to PAKT, a former industrial site that is now a creative gastronomic hub, including one of Antwerp's most beloved coffee breweries. It is a vibrant and appealing place where we delight in the abundance of aromas, sights and activities.
Lush green and surrounded by its historical context, spring awakens from its hibernation. The play of light draws our attention to the monuments. Nature comes to life through colourful blossoms and the neighbourhood is also stirring. The renovated site of city brewery De Koninck, famous for the widely renowned Antwerp Bolleke and Antwerp Tripel, is only a stone’s throw away. The neighbourhood also harbours some regional culinary icons like the cheese shop Kaasaffineurs Van Tricht and Luc De Laet’s Butcher’s Store. A few dozen metres further, our route provides a view
of the iconic Provincial House, with its 683 triangular windows playfully rotating on its axis, and leads us to the undulating benches of Harmoniepark.
Later on, when we leave the Green Quarter via Hospitaalplein, one of its seven exits, we encounter a kaleidoscope of cultures. We follow the trail in the direction of the Zurenborg district, where a rather lavish-looking residential area emerged at the turn of the last century. Here, the street scene is increasingly defined by Orthodox Jews; Antwerp is home to the largest community in Western Europe. Further towards the city centre is the Diamond Quarter, which could thrive thanks to this community. We head to Dageraadplaats, where young parents hang out in one of the numerous bars and restaurants while their children have great fun on the basketball court or at the playground. Via nearby Draakplaats, we approach the stately Cogels-Osylei, where villas and their flourishing front gardens can be admired from the street. Many of the neoclassical facades tell a story. The four seasons are depicted on one of the crossings. It invites you to discover for yourself which corner is dedicated to each season.
Meeting with Mouche Van Hool
As well as being the owner, Mouche Van Hool is the inspired creative force behind august. When she and her husband Laurent learned that the Augustinian convent was for sale, they saw the potential of the historic site. “The property had been vacant for twenty years and was in an awful state, however we were sold immediately. As with Hotel Julien, our other hotel in the city, we wanted to bring this dormant monument back to life. We love tackling construction-related challenges. The renovation became a tour de force, for the better, since modern, soulless buildings have never appealed to us.
We cherish the philosophy behind this renovation project, with its specific design language, material choices and thought process. August connects the past with the present, bringing the old and the new together.”
Ten years after the purchase, Mouche can say that encapsulating august in the Green Quarter has contributed to a new fully-fledged urban district. “In this book, we showcase august and focus on the experiential
aspect of each season. We also look back at the history and successful collaboration with the architects. I found these three years during which august was created to be absolutely extraordinary. It is also a photo book, which shows visitors what they can expect. I hope people experience august as a relaxed and informal place, where almost anything is possible. For instance, the walled gardens are a wonderful place for wedding receptions, there is a garden pavilion that can be rented for smaller events and the meeting rooms are very popular. Business guests can catch up in the bar afterwards and even stay overnight.”
One intuitively experiences the appeal of a destination that combines various elements, aesthetics, greenery, quiet, enjoyment and charm.
With august, Mouche Van Hool returns to her basic definition of a destination.
“From the outset our aim was to open up the site to a diverse audience. The public areas are places for encounters. The bar in the former chapel is the eye-catcher and you will enjoy
the refined gastronomy under the restaurant’s black steel and glass roof. The huge windows allow natural light to flood in. The open kitchen connects them.
A similar atmosphere reigns in all the rooms. You immediately feel good. “The location is a destination in itself. Interaction between locals and hotel guests is something that appeals to me when I travel, and I aspired to reach that with august. A place that offers space for encounters, but also feels like an embrace. That is exactly what the architects created, a refuge that I seek myself when I am travelling,” laughs the hotelier.
Mouche’s aesthetic interpretation aligns grandeur and charisma with purity. All the materials exude timeless elegance.
“Vincent Van Duysen and I were totally on the same wavelength in terms of the soul and power that the site holds. He was able to capture everything I wished for and together we found the right tone. We preserved as much as we could restore. Every newly designed element is created to seamlessly blend
in with the authentic heritage, creating a harmony with modern touches. The original tile floors were restored and brought back to their origin. Everything you see is custommade, from the cabinets to the lamps. It is an homage to real craftsmanship.”
Mouche is focused on a level of quality that, unfortunately, is too often compromised. Offering guests a beautiful experience and being service-oriented is in her blood.
“I want our personal approach to make a difference so that people always feel at home. Returning guests are therefore the biggest compliment,” concludes the owner.
in summer
It’s hard to believe that this was once an isolated place. The decision to integrate it into the city as a residential area is a popular success. The former Military Hospital has been completely renovated and turned into a car-free district with a park, shops and homes for hundreds of families. Life here takes place outside. On a summer weekend, families, friends and lovers spend time together on the grassy lawns of the Green Quarter. No wonder locals call it an oasis, and that is no exaggeration. It is a special place that connects the surrounding neighbourhoods of Haringrode, Oud-Berchem and Zurenborg with a green centre, providing them with a park of their own.
Waking up & breakfast. Nowadays, the 44 rooms and suites where the nuns lived are all unique and tastefully decorated. Each one is a tribute to life in the convent. We sleep in the attic, under the beams. The room exudes a mystical and meditative atmosphere. Nowhere do the contemporary touches and design clash with the classic foundation and historical details. What could not be restored was reinterpreted in the spirit of yesteryear and customised accordingly, from the furniture to the lamps and the rugs. What the Augustinians did not have at their disposal, we do. We sleep under the finest linens and use high-quality toiletries. We even have the choice between taking a bath or having a shower. We just cannot get enough of some of the accessories. Luckily, we can buy items like the house perfume, bed linen and tableware in the boutique before leaving.
On waking we see the first rays of sunlight dancing through the window, illuminating the small painting in the room. It is not a replica of a great master, but a real canvas by an unsung landscape painter that decorates the wall. We slowly realise that we did not hear a sound all night, even though we had left the window open. We are in the city, but not quite. That’s what makes the site so unique. A serene atmosphere reigns in the early hours of the morning, even more so than during the day. In this sacred setting, we get a sense of what life was like for the nuns. We descend the monumental staircase as the rich aromas of the place rise to meet us.
a Wednesday in June
Breakfast is served in the chapel. Once again, we are struck by the sophisticated approach and the warm-hearted hospitality. With soothing jazz playing in the background, a French designer appears at the breakfast table. He sips his cappuccino and starts sketching. The interaction between the indoors and the outdoors is most visible here. While we sit inside, everyday life carries on outside. Children pass by on their way to school, carrying their rucksacks on their backs. We can see that they are having fun, even though we cannot hear them. It is a joy to simply observe the scene over a flat white and a green tea. We carefully choose from the sweet and savoury buffet and order a mushroom omelette.
Summer garden feeling. After breakfast, we take a seat in one of the three convent gardens. Each one is an absolute treasure, providing us with a moment of tranquillity in the city. Located between the site’s various features, they help foster harmony within the former convent walls. All were embedded and designed by Martin Wirtz, including one with a swimming pond. With their combination of perennials, flowering bushes and irregular hedges, they evoke an atmosphere of seclusion. The canopy of trees further enhances this intimate feeling.
The cave garden is an exemplary relic, which reminds us that this was once a place of prayer. Today, it is a delightful spot to enjoy the sun with some lunch and an early aperitif. We sit at the garden table Vincent Van Duysen designed for Serax, which is part of a collection intended for august. The pieces breathe the pure simplicity of the convent life that served as an inspiration. We take in the surroundings and indulge in our sumptuous meals. Using fresh local produce, the chef conjured up something particularly delicious and elegant. The accompanying glass of champagne completes our sunny date.
a Thursday in August
We can certainly imagine that the three gardens provided relief for the nuns. We grab a book and before we notice it, our friends have arrived to join us for an aperitif. We laugh at the fact that one gets used to something so wonderful so quickly. We bask in the sun while enjoying a cocktail Maison. As the evening progresses, the subtle charm attracts more and more guests for a lavish aperitif and bar bites. We tell them that this would be an ideal venue for a wedding party and the next day that is exactly what is happening. Everything is being prepared to celebrate the most wonderful day of two individuals’ lives .
in
autumn
The wind plays with the leaves, blowing them through the gallery flanking august. This covered corridor connected the various buildings and protected the nuns from cold during winter. Today, it is a catalyst to the surrounded buildings. This is a lush neighbourhood where hundreds of trees bring greenery into the gardens and parks. The beautiful light and rust hues of the falling leaves create magical autumn colours. The casual atmosphere and open character are major assets of the Green Quarter.
a Sunday in November
Story of the convent. Story of the convent. As nature prepares to retreat to its core, we delve into the former nuns’ residence. Although the convent was an integral part of the Military Hospital, it went unnoticed by the people passing by. This was not surprising, the nuns emphatically shunned Antwerp’s busy city life and only left their convent to care for the sick soldiers. Although the monastery’s new life is in strong contrast to its former closed-off nature, it is also a tribute. August recalls the life that mainly took place behind closed doors and where the nuns found peace in their weighty task. The more we walk through the corridors, the greater the sense we get of their lives. A life that had a rhythm of its own, largely determined by prayer and contemplation. Today, the visual essentialism still encourages contemplation.
In the past, the deeper into the convent you ventured, the more private the spaces became. Visitors were received at the front of the building, the chapel served as its centre and the dormitories were located at the back. As we walk through the corridors with the beautifully tiled floors or the wooden ceilings, we try to imagine the nuns’ state of mind. Although the function has changed and the rigid rhythm has disappeared, it is not difficult to slow down and disconnect from the urban chaos to recharge your batteries.
This neoclassical gem has been carefully restored to create a space that visitors can experience emotionally. Brick, wood, glass, steel and textiles are combined to form a multi-layered appeal. The play between old and new is alluring: the white marble versus the black steel, the round classical shapes versus the sleek designs, and the original architectural elements versus the abstract shapes. The concept makes total sense. It is the heavenly balance that elevates this building to a higher level.
Dinner. An unrivalled setting calls for a unique dining experience, and here nothing could be more accurate. In august, interior design and sophisticated culinary craftsmanship come together. We fully experience the welcoming atmosphere in the restaurant where we also enjoyed breakfast in the morning. The restaurant setting embodies understated chic and is covered by a glass roof, emphasising its central role in the building. Nothing is left to chance. Every detail is thought through: the lighting, the furniture, the glasses, the knives and the typeface used for the menu. The extraordinary tableware, with its nod to the time of the convent, was designed by Vincent Van Duysen for Serax. There is not a hint of pomposity, only pure pleasure.
A Saturday in October
Expectations are high, both for the glass and the plate. A bottle being uncorked sounds like music to our ears. We will not easily forget the sommelier. The warm timbre of his voice accompanies the subtle flavour of the wines he recommends. He brings three bottles to the table, and we decide to go for an elegant Chardonnay . This is what bliss tastes like. The culinary experience is exceptional. The passionate chefs present a menu inspired by local produce and the time of year. The dishes are carefully made with love and we delight in the terroir cuisine. With his own growing signature, the chef uses herbs cultivated in the kitchen garden.
The mouthwatering menu offers refined creations and clever explosions of flavour. The appetisers, the starter made with tuna, radish, cucumber and wasabi, the main course with subtle smoky flavours and the dessert make us realise that this is not your average hotel restaurant. The turbot meunière with spinach, porcini mushrooms and shellfish sauce will stay with us for a long time. The table next to us is lyrical about the pheasant with chicory, Jerusalem artichoke and fig. Unfortunately, the nuns never indulged in such gastronomic delights.
Cogels Osylei
Draakplaats
Zurenborg
KMSKA
A mix of aesthetics and history, Antwerp is a city where creativity abounds. Its rich history dates back to the Middle Ages, and the past of the city is still tangible. A walk through the old city centre feels like a journey back in time. We discover spectacular historical buildings, cosy squares and narrow cobbled streets. The city is known for its famous Renaissance architecture. We love the intimacy of the city; it is like walking around in a village with a cosmopolitan energy. In the Vlaeykensgang, we feel enclosed in the heart of the city. It is an old fire alley
Antwerp’s inhabitants, with their intellectual, creative and expressionist vision have put the city on the map. The city feels intimate while it retains the allure of a metropolis. Antwerp is a historical city of culture, but it is also a window to the world. Having risen up out of the banks of the River Scheldt, which afforded the city its glory, the city boasts more than this one asset to discover. Architecture walk
at the foot of Antwerp’s Cathedral that was saved from demolition, sensitively restored with its centuries-old patina and returned to its former glory.
in winter
The Green Quarter, with its public urban gardens, is walled but not enclosed. How an enclave can be so different from the surrounding city and at the same time be so complementary continues to amaze. Due to its central location, it contributes significantly to the surrounding neighbourhoods. The new residential district enhances all their qualities. Seven access points provide direct connections to adjacent neighbourhoods, which are diverse in character. At home in any season, this fascinating setting gives the whole district a boost. A green lung, but equally inviting and receptive in winter, amid leafless trees under a blue sky. In august’s gardens too, the structure is now visible. They have a Japanese feel, even more than during summer.
Library and meeting rooms. Four of the former nuns of the Augustinian convent were called Elizabeth, Marthe, Augustine and Joanna. The meeting rooms are named after them. The building lends itself to bear traces of time with dignity, a concept closely guarded by owner Mouche Van Hool. Every day, the hotel’s character shows itself in a different way. A convivial bustle reigns this morning. “History is palpable here,” one woman says. “In this place, I will gladly allow myself to be abducted to times past,” a man adds. In this sacred environment, the nuns spent both their free time and time dedicated to faith, study and prayer. Today, the meeting rooms are no longer ascetic, but discreetly provide every comfort. August also has a special garden pavilion, the nuns’ original washroom. It comes equipped with its own bar, where we attend a book launch during our stay. It also seems the perfect location for a brainstorming session, a board meeting or an intimate reunion.
a Thursday in December
If the bar is the heart of august, the books in the library make up the lungs. They share their beauty with the visitors. The library is located in a separate seating area and a cosy reading room for guests where peace and quiet prevail. We take refuge there, settling into a comfortable chair close to the fireplace on a cold December evening. There is something intimate about a hotel library. It is a place where you can totally unwind. There is plenty of sightseeing to do in Antwerp, but at the end of a fruitful day strolling around the city, immersing yourself in a book is a truly pleasant way to relax. In one of the publications, we read that the success of architecture lies in the architect’s ability to achieve perfect harmony – between the aesthetics, material, interior and exterior. This could have been the mantra for august and its architects who transformed it into a contemporary refuge.
Spa. A spa is essential in a sanctuary that strives for tranquillity and understated elegance. To achieve the ultimate form of relaxation after a walk in the city, we head to the spa. We are escorted to the ground-floor entrance where, behind the door, a sober and refined changing and shower room with gloriously soft bathrobes, towels and slippers awaits us. The staircase leads us to the spa on the lower level while warm scents wind their way upwards. It serves as an invitation to descend into this bubble. It is a place to relax in a historical setting, where the soothing architecture was specially conceived for us to find inner peace. In the architectural world, the words sleek, pure, linear and simple are usually synonymous with cool, impersonal and sterile. This is not the case when Vincent Van Duysen designs a spa. Warmth dominates here.
a Monday in January
We love contrasts between hot and cold. We start by relaxing in the sauna, after which the fresh ice scrub cools us down divinely. Still feeling the effects of the first burst of heat, we settle down on the loungers where we enjoy the citrus water and bittersweet berries. The fragrant sensation in the hammam also proves to be extremely pleasing. But there is more. The spa provides access to one of the hidden gardens on a lower level or cour anglaise, an area with an intimate swimming pond, surrounded by a lush garden. Do we dare to plunge into the cold water or do we prefer to warm ourselves on the natural stone lounger? If you want to treat your body to more intense relaxation, there is also a range of massages to choose from. We opt for a signature treatment, a relaxing aromatherapy and energy-boosting cleanse. The sauna, hammam, and hot stone, as well as facial and body treatments are also accessible to non-hotel guests and august even has a separate entrance for them. Simply divine!
Meeting with Wouter Callebaut
Transforming a convent dating back to 1912 into a contemporary hotel without losing any original neoclassical details required a meticulous approach. Ms Van Hool and Mr Van Duysen turned to architect Wouter Callebaut, who analyzes buildings almost like a surgeon.
Thanks to the thoughtful restoration work its history embraces the new function. It is not uncommon to glance into the past to gain insight into the future.
Together with Mouche and Vincent, Wouter developed a concept that respects the monumental building and integrates it into a new context. “august has never operated as a hotel, but now it looks like it has never been anything else. This makes it unique,” proclaims the architect. “There is much more to an existing building than you perceive at first or second glance. Uncovering that DNA is our team’s strength. After all, you have to acknowledge the old before you can add the new. Not only Wouter, but Mouche and Vincent also have a great affinity with historical heritage. A lot of effort was made to optimally preserve the story of the site’s heritage. The comfort requirements were significant and subtly concealing the technology was no easy task. Any fears that valuable elements would disappear because of their poor condition was proven unjustified. We conscientiously tackled all the points of interest. The original joinery as well as the interior walls and floors were retained or restored.”
The ratio of brick, metal and glass materials that characterizes the Green Quarter was consistently applied.
All additions to august, like a precise extension of the site, were given the same proportions. All interventions were rigorous and there was a very restrained approach to the work, without being excessively perfectionistic. It is an old complex, which was something to celebrate. The facades were delicately cleaned to preserve traces of the past. This layering shows that the building has already lived
and is simply allowed it to be as it is. “We listened attentively to the unique building. The result is a contemporary hotel where its history was optimally preserved. “Although the repurposing was quite a complicated challenge, the full basement and 4.5-metre foundations proved to be a major advantage. It means all of august’s supplies and services could be organized underground, and we did not have to compartmentalize the interior spaces.”
In the building itself, the modest life of the past still hangs in the air. Several religious effigies subtly remain. In the bar, the alpha and omega still hang above the altar, symbolizing God’s omnipotence and although the stained glass has been restored, you can still see Christian imagery. Upon entering the chapel one cannot help but be intrigued by the remains of two painted angels.
Despite the poor condition, much could be saved, leaving many characteristics of a convent. You will also find that the atmosphere is effectively captured in the rooms where the panels and colours refer to the past, as well as the garden where the statuesque cave, once home to a statue of Mother Mary, contributes to the unique experience,” Wouter acknowledges.
The Augustinians were a particularly private order and the transition from public functions to private rooms still follows the original design. However, the character of seclusion was transformed to open up the site in the best possible way. The deeper you venture into the building, the more secluded it becomes and hardly any outsiders had access there. Family visits were received at the front, the chapel was the transition and from her office, Mother Superior kept watch with her all-seeing eye. Today, that room is the kitchen and the chef is in charge, happily monitoring everything that goes on in the restaurant. Above the restaurant were the rooms of the nuns, who had no contact with the outside world. They went to work via the back exit, where there was also a checkpoint to prevent any uninvited intruders.”
Our aim was to create something that lingers, stays with you, in a place where there was nothing left. To do so, we adhered as closely as possible to the building’s spirit of the times. Both today and in the build-up, we focus on successful collaborations. We assembled the right people around us, who meticulously shaped all the elements that had captured our imagination. Our guests can enjoy an experience that indulges all their senses. Here, taking a break never gets boring, neither downstairs nor upstairs, indoors or outdoors. We want to cherish the feeling of freedom and pleasure without a care in the world. Observing, experiencing, being one with the seasons. Just like Antwerp, august is a destination and perhaps the ultimate base from which to discover or rediscover this city.
Printed by Stockmans Art Books at Antilope de Bie Printing
2024
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.
