Modernist style defines it. Have you noticed the R\u00e9sidence Ernestine’s unique shape? It forms an acute angle. This design mirrors its neighbor. The Palais du Congo stands just across from it.
Let’s delve into the history of this building. The R\u00e9sidence Ernestine is located on the Rond-Point de l’\u00c9toile. This is a famous Brussels roundabout. Seven streets meet here. These include the Boulevard G\u00e9n\u00e9ral Jacques and Avenue Ernestine.
Back in 1876, Ixelles decided to create this intersection. It was on land owned by the Coch\u00e9 family. Initially, it was called Petite Suisse. The surrounding avenues developed over time. The Avenue de la Folle Chanson was the last to open in 1910. It was part of the Brussels Universal Exhibition.
The R\u00e9sidence Ernestine is an apartment building. Its construction reflects a broader trend. After World War I apartment buildings became popular. A law in 1924 legalized co-ownership. Wealthier Bruxellois preferred apartments over houses. Construction companies seized this opportunity. They included Etrimo. These apartments offered hotel-like amenities. Equipped kitchens and central heating were standard.
Jean-Florian Collin was a key figure. He was both an architect and a property developer. In 1935, he founded Etrimo. This company focused on housing for the middle class. Etrimo used modern construction techniques. They paid attention to modern domestic comfort. Collin used distinctive design elements. These included vertical spurs and corner rotunda.
Before the war, Etrimo became known in the apartment sector. The R\u00e9sidence Ernestine exemplifies this. Collin built it in the modernist style during the 1930s. Other projects included the R\u00e9sidence Belle-Vue.
After the war, Collin continued building with Etrimo. His goal was to make property ownership accessible. He wanted to provide comfortable new homes for the middle class. In 1969, Etrimo faced financial difficulties. The company was placed under judicial concordat.
The R\u00e9sidence Ernestine is not a listed historical monument. However, it is included in the Inventory of Architectural Heritage of the Brussels-Capital Region.
Notice the modernist style. The R\u00e9sidence Ernestine has nine floors. It forms an acute angle. Its design mirrors the Palais du Congo. The semi-circular rotunda marks the corner. It faces the Rond-Point de l’\u00c9toile. This rotunda features glazed surfaces and yellow vertical spurs.
The architect’s signature is visible. It is inscribed on the blue stone base. The vertical spurs evoke a ship’s chimney. This is a nod to the transatlantic liners. This style is characteristic of 1930s modernism.
Inside, the hall features gray stone paving. The walls have black marble. Original light fixtures remain. The staircase has an iron railing with circles and curves. Each floor has three apartments. They vary in size and layout.
The R\u00e9sidence Ernestine stands as a testament. It reflects the architectural trends of its time. It showcases Collin’s vision and Etrimo’s impact on Brussels. As you leave remember its blend of style and history. The R\u00e9sidence Ernestine remains a significant landmark.