Looking inside a theater hall turned into a warm home

An old theater changed from a boxing ring to a biscuit factory, eventually evolving into an urban jungle dream home for architects Julie and Stefan. After they crossed their paths several times, this unusual regeneration project in Dendermonde seemed designed for its residents.

What are the odds that you will come across your dream home at the right time on your way? Having your wedding website become your home address too? And that your parents suddenly became your new neighbors? Food for stats, but it would be a concern for Julie Kisquatter (33) and Stefan Vervoort (35). Five years ago, the architectural couple from Dendermonde once lost their heart

The theater hall that breathes more than a century of history. Jolly: “This site is a well-kept secret among the people from the area. The building really houses everything. We got back the pictures of the English soldiers who celebrated the liberation here and had boxing matches once. Later on, the theater was converted into a biscuit and pastry factory and when we finally bought it we bought it.” In 2017, it housed a flower studio.” At first their intention was not to come and live here, but to marry there. Julie: “We wanted to rent the flower hall for our evening party, but we couldn’t because the company was put up for sale close to our wedding. We eventually put the dance tent in my parents’ garden across from the back of the hall and shortly thereafter decided to make a show on the building. To The great enthusiasm of my father, who immediately saw a unique opportunity as an architect.”

Exceptional is the least you can say about this project. The back house is only accessed via a gorgeous courtyard garden, urban explorers are happy to bring out their camera. The semi-open roof and rough brick walls combined with the overgrown vegetation give an additional dimension to the industrial character. This downtown green lung was designed by Buro Buiten. Julie: “The old scenes have been opened up to create additional green spaces. In keeping with the Brutalist architecture, we wanted to make it look like nature had taken over here. On top of that, this maintenance-friendly garden is also very eco-friendly. In the summer everything is thriving and teeming with bees. “.

The connection between inside and outside was crucial for the residents in their home planning. Julie: “We have a garden view in every room. Once the sun comes up, the windows are wide open and we live outside. Since our house is so far in the back, we are not bothered by looking inside or by street noises. Plus, our garden is flowing To my parents’ garden, so that the children have twice the space to play.” They do not mind the fact that their private area is freely accessible from the street and thus sometimes attracts the curious. Julie: “Sometimes someone suddenly walks into our garden and thinks this is a hidden garden. (Laughs) It doesn’t bother us. I like to involve people in our story. This place asks to share. We also have people from the circle of local history above ground.” Despite its historical value, the ancient theater is not included in the List of Protected Heritage. “But we cherish the building as if it were,” Julie says. “I’ve always known it this way and wanted to keep the spirit. During the renovation, we did everything we could to restore the original elements. Not a single straight wall and iron roof trusses have a patina, but these imperfections give them more character.”

Kitchen for life

The renovation was a monumental feat: the ground floor was completely opened, the roof and windows were renovated, and a circular tube of the same brick was built into the rear outer wall of the spiral staircase leading to the mezzanine. Julie: “I love trading around the house. With two flights of stairs, you don’t always have to walk the same way up or down. So Stefan has a short cut to the kitchen in his office.” (Laughs) She says they took longer to choose the kitchen. “We wanted a timeless design that blended neatly into the space, but at an angle. We both love to cook, so a lot of workspace had to be available. We finally ended up at Emaillerie Belge. The dark green cabinets are made of enameled steel plates and behind the left cabinet wall is a room Discreet storage. It might not be the cheapest solution, but we have this kitchen for life.”

The industrial touch of the raw brick walls, unfinished ceilings and molded concrete floor of the open living space is softened by the circular volume that conceals the entrance foyer and guest toilet. “Just as in a restaurant, I wanted a WC room with a separate sink. The outside wall is covered in smoked oak, the same type of wood used for the central staircase. Over time, there will be shelves along the stair wall for Stefan’s massive book collection. There are still Crates full to empty.” In the rooms above, iron roof trusses resembling the old station courtyard were left bare. “We thought it was too nice to hide. It wasn’t made until today. Those little spots of rust give it the authenticity befitting such a worn home.” The iron truss also represents the gigantic height that you can feel better than the mezzanine. “Exactly ten meters from the ridge. Try to find the right lighting for that,” Julie laughs. “The house is quite manageable in terms of space, but the height makes it more spacious. That was a bit of a tweak at first. We moved here just before closing, the timing couldn’t have been better. The house with garden was a godsend, especially with two kids two little ones.”

Jolie is well aware that such a major renovation is not for everyone. “By drawing everything ourselves, we saved a lot of money, but I also loved being an architect. all the way To be able to go. The creative side of my job is what I enjoy the most and I have been able to fully enjoy myself here. Of course you have an existing structure to keep in mind, but that’s exactly the challenge. So far, we’ve never regretted or thought: If only we had approached it differently. This house really fits us like a glove.”