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In the small Belgian village of Itegem, interior architect Peter Ivens discovered a unique and exotic villa with well-preserved 1920’s details reminiscent of a classical British colonial style – a central stairway, symmetrical plan, alcove windows, hipped roof and upper dormer windows.
The detailed history of the house and the identity of the architect remain unknown, but Ivens relishes its historical value and atmosphere, and the quality of the construction, entirely concrete basement to rooftop.
Although the three floors are divided into numerous rooms, the introduction of natural light must have been a significant priority for the architect: the large double-hung sash windows offer luminosity to each space and give direct views of the garden enclosing the villa. An important step has been to repair the windows and place high-tech vacuum glass in the original frames. “We’ve brightened up the house by painting the windows, doors and walls white,” says Ivens. “It adds even more attention to the beautiful parquet and wooden staircase, and of course the objects and art also benefit from a white backdrop.”
Carrera marble Angelo Mangiarotti stools echoing the original marble mosaic floor of the small hallway usher visitors to the reception hall with furniture designed by Ivens. The entire house displays Ivens’ collection of furniture ranging from mid-century classics to contemporary pieces as well as finds from art fairs and flea markets.
Although not officially listed, the house is mentioned as part of Belgian architectural heritage and Ivens is carrying out detailed research to renovate, keeping original features and character. “Deciding everything myself and at my own pace makes the process rather peaceful. I can feel good and at home in various settings; here, the historical elegance and the light certainly makes me feel at ease.”
Read more in Ark Journal VOLUME VIII.
WORDS SISSE BRO
PHOTOGRAPHY PIET-ALBERT GOETHALS
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TAILORED INTERIOR
HOME
In the small Belgian village of Itegem, interior architect Peter Ivens discovered a unique and exotic villa with well-preserved 1920’s details reminiscent of a classical British colonial style – a central stairway, symmetrical plan, alcove windows, hipped roof and upper dormer windows.
The detailed history of the house and the identity of the architect remain unknown, but Ivens relishes its historical value and atmosphere, and the quality of the construction, entirely concrete basement to rooftop.
Although the three floors are divided into numerous rooms, the introduction of natural light must have been a significant priority for the architect: the large double-hung sash windows offer luminosity to each space and give direct views of the garden enclosing the villa. An important step has been to repair the windows and place high-tech vacuum glass in the original frames. “We’ve brightened up the house by painting the windows, doors and walls white,” says Ivens. “It adds even more attention to the beautiful parquet and wooden staircase, and of course the objects and art also benefit from a white backdrop.”
Carrera marble Angelo Mangiarotti stools echoing the original marble mosaic floor of the small hallway usher visitors to the reception hall with furniture designed by Ivens. The entire house displays Ivens’ collection of furniture ranging from mid-century classics to contemporary pieces as well as finds from art fairs and flea markets.
Although not officially listed, the house is mentioned as part of Belgian architectural heritage and Ivens is carrying out detailed research to renovate, keeping original features and character. “Deciding everything myself and at my own pace makes the process rather peaceful. I can feel good and at home in various settings; here, the historical elegance and the light certainly makes me feel at ease.”
Read more in Ark Journal VOLUME VIII.
WORDS SISSE BRO
PHOTOGRAPHY PIET-ALBERT GOETHALS