Got a minute to admire some coordinated artistry? Right here stands the Ensemble Blerot. It is a remarkable collection of houses designed by Ernest Blerot. This stunning group showcases the Art Nouveau style.
The Ensemble Blerot is not just a set of buildings. It is a testament to architectural vision. The story began in the early 1900s. A single owner, the widow Elsom, commissioned Ernest Blerot to design these houses. Between 1900 and 1902, Blerot crafted fourteen unique homes. They stand side by side creating a unified yet individual streetscape.
Ernest Blerot was born in Ixelles Brussels in 1870. He died in the same municipality in 1957. Blerot was a prolific architect of his time. He left a lasting mark on Brussels with his Art Nouveau designs.
Look closely at the facades. Notice how each house within the Ensemble Blerot differs from its neighbor. Yet they all share the same basic structure. Blerot masterfully combined unity and individuality. He signed each facade adding his personal touch and the year of construction.
Some houses feature light bricks. Others boast white stone. Blue stone accents richly adorn all. You will see a common formal language throughout the Ensemble Blerot. This includes slightly curved bases arched bays and blue stone bands. Wooden cornices sit atop delicate modillions. The windows and doors feature intricate woodwork. Some even have stained glass with floral motifs.
Many houses in the Ensemble Blerot originally had commercial spaces on the ground floor. These shops often featured large rectangular windows. These windows were highlighted by non-protruding wooden shutters. Balconies and terraces showcase forged iron railings.
Many facades include a loggia on the second level. Most are wooden with rectangular or polygonal designs. The spandrels are adorned with sinuous woodwork. Tables and tympana feature sgraffito. Floral subjects vary from house to house. A through-lucarne often punctuates each elevation. Except for number 23 Rue Vanderschrick the houses retain their original woodwork.
Emma Elsom the widow’s daughter decided to build an entertainment venue. It was constructed within the block in 1911. This Regina Palace was accessible via a passage from number 13 Chaussee de Waterloo. It was also accessible from the carriage entrance at number 7-9 Rue Vanderschrick. Armand Delmez was the architect for this project. Initially it was a cafe-restaurant with bowling and billiards. The leisure complex expanded significantly in 1913. A dance hall with an orchestrion was added. It was completed with changing rooms restrooms and a smoking room in 1924. A fire ravaged this complex in 1974. It was then transformed into a storage area.
Ernest Blerot designed all the ornamental details himself. This attention to detail is evident throughout the Ensemble Blerot. The ensemble has been classified since August 1988. It protects these architectural gems for future generations.
Take a moment to appreciate the artistic aesthetic. The Ensemble Blerot stimulates the senses. It offers a positive experience of beauty. This group of buildings marks the urban landscape. It stands as a testament to a unique period in architectural history.
The Ensemble Blerot represents a harmonious blend. It combines artistic historical aesthetic and urban interests. It showcases Art Nouveau at its finest. It is a must-see for anyone interested in architecture and design.