From an old sweet factory to a stunning and exclusive, urban office building
Dieter Vander Velpen Architects has completed a remarkable metamorphosis in the heart of Antwerp’s Berchem neighbourhood. The once bustling Euro Sweets factory, known for its pastel-coloured sweets and chocolate, has been given a new lease of life. The listed industrial building has been transformed into a 550 square metre loft-like space. It now serves not only as office space, but also as a meeting place and event venue. The eye-catchers are the customised Kreon lights that illuminate the various rooms. The entire building, which dates back to 1919, was completely gutted. The new offices of Dieter Vander Velpen Architects were set up on the second floor. The industrial charm of the building, with its rough exposed concrete and original floors, was retained to create an exciting contrast to the contemporary furnishing elements. For example, the meringue moulds will soon add an artistic touch to the lobby. The architecture firm also skilfully uses this space as a virtual showroom and source of inspiration. While the space retains features of the building’s history, it is also future-orientated. The building’s energy performance has been improved with roof and external wall insulation. The installation of solar panels is also planned.
The carefully integrated kreon luminaires are undoubtedly the highlights of the interior design. kreon holon 60, in brushed aluminium, discreetly illuminates the corridors and the kitchen. The minimalist design also enhances the aesthetic value of the building. In the meeting room, the kreon nuit profile, also in brushed aluminium, provides uniform lighting, ideal for presentations and meetings. For the work area, Vander Velpen chose the kreon kagi profile, which optimally illuminates the workstations thanks to its asymmetrical optics. Outside, on the terrace, the kreon wabi seamlessly combines aesthetics with functionality. The outdoor lighting has an optimally shielded optical system that maintains visual comfort and illuminates ground surfaces.
kreon is a long-standing partner of Dieter Vander Velpen and contributed to the design right from the design phase. The renovated, Brutalist-inspired interior lets in plenty of natural daylight. In combination with high-quality lighting, the rooms create an optimal working atmosphere. The lighting is an essential element that is in complete harmony with the space, both aesthetically and functionally. It is carefully matched to technical details such as taps and sockets. A dramatic wall that serves as a display case has been filled with patterns, with weathered bronze lighting helping to highlight the items. The showcase, where new samples are displayed monthly, also serves as a connection point between the different office areas and is accentuated by several kreon holon 60 luminaires. With a colour temperature of 2700k, the lighting creates an inviting light that stands out from other offices and is combined with both pendant and free-standing luminaires. As Dieter was looking for Belgian partners for the design of his new offices, the collaboration with the Limburg lighting brand kreon was a logical consequence. The lighting is customised, often based on standard models, but adapted to the specific needs and wishes of the architect.