Elite Choice » Belgium

Antwerp Gets A Towering Presence

Saba — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:39:20 +0000

Antwerp is out to gain international recognition on big scale. Literally so! We hear the new complex for the new headquarters of Antwerp Port Authority is something of a masterpiece. The brainchild of a London-based Zaha Hadid architects, this structure is expected to be completed only by 2013.

But that does not mean the old building is going to be pulled down. Apparently, it will accommodate 500 staff. Apart from that one will find public counters, meeting rooms and offices there. As far as the new building is concerned, well, it will be five stories high consisting of a gorgeous auditorium, restaurant and additional offices and meeting rooms. Apart from the development angle, the building will also help the upgrading of a lesser known part of the city called Het Eilandje.

Very soon, Antwerp will have a towering structure overlooking the city in its rich splendor. Actually, the Port Authority always wanted to be more efficient by centralizing the administrative and technical services, which the new HQ will help attain. At the moment, the body works between offices situated in the Port House and quay 63. Quite a shuttling business, this must be!

Via tuvie

Medieval Castle out for sale for a pittance!

Varinya — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 09:59:56 +0000

When Bram Stoker was writing Dracula, it is said that he imagined the mystical land of Transylvania and the haunted castle when he was travelling in Europe and came across a really captivating mysterious castle. Alas! Gone are the days of such Medieval mysteries.
Two days from now, one such famous 800-year-old Belgian castle will no more be the same. The 13th century Corroy-le-Ch�teau will be auctioned by court all because the heirs cannot keep peace among themselves. So what would be the future of this historic Castle. As I presume, it will be converted in some Hollywood studio or be made a part of a chain of some grand hotel. The highest bid till now has been $ 3 million, but the true worth of Castle is estimated to be atleast ten times more than that.

The castle is located towards the south of Brussels and was was built by nobleman William of Brabant. It has the popular architecture of medieval dark ages and is full of secret passages and mysterious moats.

Via Luxist

Alley’s Abode: 8 Ft Wide, 4 Story Home

Zolamarquis — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:27:43 +0000

Can you think of constructing a house amidst walls of two buildings? May be no, just because of the simple fear factor attached that it would be too doomy. But ask those creative architects who have lately completed one-such project. Featured above is a revolutionary four-story Alley House, smartly erected between the walls of two buildings in Antwerp, Belgium. You would be surprised to know that the distance measured between the two structures was only 2.4 meters (7’10″) wide; and architects took it as a unique experience to bend their design expertise. It is segregated like this: The ground floor of the house features an office space, first floor is the dining floor, and lounging and living is fulfilled by second floor with a unique bedroom on the third followed by a roof that is an ideal place to enjoy the scenic beauty of the city.
The face of the house facing the street is layered with glass only, but if you wish to get one designed for you and aren’t in a mood to publicize your privacy then you can consider really hip curtains instead of glass.

To fulfill their desire of living in an urban center, they have to compromise on space and if the nature of compromise is of this kind then one would choose to go with it. Living in a small-space is being seen as a practical solution in urban places.

More pics:

Via Archinect/Likecool/ Gadgettastic