A modern-day sanctuary

A former Augustinian convent becomes a new hospitality project, August, a hotel with bar, restaurant, wellness and shop designed by Vincent Van Duysen in Antwerp, Belgium.

Created with a deep respect for its heritage, August is a modern-day sanctuary, echoing the sacred soul of historical Belgian architecture whilst intertwining a contemporary modernism. Situated in a luscious green corner of the former Military Hospital site in Antwerp, it embodies the character of the area at its finest. August consists of 5 different buildings, seamlessly blended together under the guidance of legendary Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen in his first-ever hotel project. All this is accompanied by secluded gardens projected by Wirtz International Landscape Architects. The strategy of Vincent was to respect the historical DNA of the site and its surroundings, and to align it with the principles that are used for the general redevelopment of the other historical listed buildings – a careful restoration of its architectural neoclassical splendour in collaboration with Callebaut Architects and the addition of black metal contemporary architectural elements to upgrade to the new function and modern hospitality life. At August the eclectic creativity of the Flemish building styles throughout the centuries meets an understated soulful modernism, creating a perfect blend of both public and private space.

The interior is designed as a warm and timeless tribute to the dedicated convent lifestyle. August's public areas includes a private guest library, several bookable meeting rooms, bar & restaurant and a wellness zone. The latter invites guests to warm up in the sauna, hammam or on the hot stone. Cool down again with a fresh ice scrub, in the outdoor shower on the adjacent 'Cour Anglaise' or in the outdoor swimming pond. Every part of August shows a meticulously thought-out aesthetic for the hotel. Each element has been custom-designed to match the authentic heritage with a contemporary touch. The intricate designs of the original tile floors were restored and placed back in new-found glory. Large-scaled windows allow for an abundance of natural light, which stands in great contrast with the closed character of its former function. Almost everything you see in August's interior was custom designed by Van Duysen, in collaboration with Molteni, Flos and Serax, among others.

August bar and restaurant are curated and envisioned by well-known chef Nick Bril that has challenged himself to go beyond his signature style and has thought out an internationally inspired menu focusing on product and season. While August bar serves a perfect mixture of elegant drinks and savoury bar food, that can be enjoyed in the high-ceilinged chapel. Food and drinks are served in specially designed August tableware. The 'Passe-partout' collection is designed by Vincent Van Duysen for Serax and includes glassware, porcelain tableware, cutlery and wooden objects. The past is reflected in many aspects of this collection. In particular, with the porcelain tableware, countless visual effects can be created by stacking or by playing with the contrasting white and black exterior colours. The cutlery and wooden accessories also follow the blueprint Vincent Van Duysen had in mind for Passe-partout: nononsense, a tad nostalgic, while at the same time very contemporary.

The former convent encapsulates 44 rooms and suites that are a warm homage to the dedicated cloister way of life, with the addition of all modern amenities. Due to the original building structure almost no room is quite alike, each having their intrinsic personal touches, like a centuries-old wooden ceiling, an inviting balcony overlooking the former Military Hospital site, or unspoiled chapel or courtyard garden views. In the interior colours refer to elements of the existing with its soft green wood, dark smoked oak or black and white to emphasise the contrast between the contemporary (black) and the classic (white). Bespoke finishing is to be found in every element; from the hand-glazed bathroom tiles to the tailor-made iconic lighting, from custom-built furniture to the carefully restored mouldings and doors.

Address: Jules Bordetstraat 5, 2018 - Antwerp, Belgium