Question: What if a building could embody a pivotal moment in architectural history? That’s precisely what Hô van Eetvelde does. It stands before us as a testament to Art Nouveau’s innovative spirit.
This is Hô van Eetvelde. It is a historic townhouse in Brussels. Victor Horta designed it for Edmond van Eetvelde. Edmond was the administrator of the Congo Free State. The house was built between 1895 and 1898. Hô van Eetvelde exemplifies the Art Nouveau style.
Horta used steel and glass in its construction. This was innovative for private dwellings at the time. A hanging steel construction supports the facade. The interior has a central reception room. A stained-glass cupola covers this room to allow light to flood in.
Horta found that Art Nouveau gave the best expression to his ideas. He expertly designed domestic spaces on narrow sites. Interiors became light-filled centers. Light permeates through filigree domes and skylights. The staircase is imposing. It leads to the first-floor reception rooms.
A first extension was added in 1898. It featured a more conventional sandstone facade. This housed a garage and an office. There were also supporting apartments. It had a separate entrance. Jean Delhaye lived here later. He was a collaborator of Horta and defender of his work.
In 1901, Horta added a second extension. It was on the other side of the house. Van Eetvelde sold half of the plot to his neighbor.
The interior centers around an octagonal rotunda. A skylight surmounts it. The rotunda and glass roof were reconstructed in 1988. Horta originally designed them this way.
The rotunda functions as a small living room. It also acts as a Winter Garden. It connects the living room, dining room, and stairwell. Eight steel columns support the cupola. They are integrated into the design like rods. The dining room door features opalescent glass. Its tint changes with the light.
UNESCO recognized Hô van Eetvelde in 2000. It was part of the Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta listing. The houses show an open plan. They show a diffusion of light. They display a brilliant joining of decoration and structure.
Hô van Eetvelde has opened its doors to the public. It’s a part of Brussels’ Art Nouveau treasures. The restored glass dome is a unique setting. It houses the new Art Nouveau interpretation center LAB·AN. Brussels is the capital of Art Nouveau.
Edmond van Eetvelde commissioned the building. He wanted a place to receive clients. He also wanted a family home. The facade is Art Nouveau. The winter garden’s glass dome is a highlight.
The glass dome underwent a five-month restoration. Architect Barbara Van der Wee and her team carried it out. They specialize in Horta’s work. Ghent-based workshop Mestdagh worked on the dome.
The works included reception room restoration. The stained-glass windows were cleaned. Damaged structural elements were repaired. The main floor’s ventilation was improved. The glass dome mechanisms were optimized.
The Brussels Region contributed to the restoration works. Hô van Eetvelde now serves as an Art Nouveau information point. The Brussels Capital Region bought part of the mansion. They developed LAB·AN, an art nouveau interpretation center. It hosts conferences and workshops. It also hosts exhibitions. These explore the movement and its links to colonisation.
Victor Horta began work on the mansion in 1895. Art Nouveau was still in its early days. His genius shows in the layout. His genius shows in the distribution of light. His genius shows in the incorporation of techniques and materials.
Edmond van Eetvelde was a diplomat. He was also an advisor to King Leopold II. He was the General-Administrator for Foreign Affairs of the Congo Free State. Horta used materials from Congo for the interior. The hall features mosaics with vines. Colonets support the veined dome. Stained glass windows depict leaves and stems. The dining room has embossed tapestry. It features plants, elephants, and stars.
After his wife’s death, Edmond van Eetvelde divided the property. The office was separated from the main part. In 2020, the Brussels Region bought the van Eetvelde office.
As you stand before Hô van Eetvelde, remember its history. It is a story of architectural innovation. It is a story of artistic vision. It is a story of Brussels’ rich heritage.