A striking silhouette against the Brussels sky. That’s the Fer à Cheval. It stands tall a testament to modernist architecture.
The Fer à Cheval isn’t just an apartment building. It’s a landmark. It’s located in the Cité Jardin Floréal bordering the Logis district. Originally it housed more than apartments. The building served as the headquarters of a housing company. It also contained a cultural center and ground floor shops. Architect J-J Eggericx designed it. It was revolutionary for Brussels. It was the first high-rise building of its scale.
Look closely. Notice the brick facade. It reveals the concrete frame. The Fer à Cheval consists of a central tower and two lateral wings. Its flat roofs are distinctive. So is the vertical glass section. This lights the tower’s stairwell. The ribbon windows are a hallmark of modernist style.
Interestingly the tower once held a potable water reserve. It’s a detail often overlooked. But the water tank made the building even more of a neighborhood symbol. It quickly became a focal point in the Logis-Floréal area. The Fer à Cheval. A unique piece of Brussels. A beautiful blend of function and design.
Imagine life within its walls. Residents in the upper floors enjoyed city views. Shopkeepers thrived below. The cultural center buzzed with community events. The Fer à Cheval was more than just bricks and mortar. It was a vibrant community hub.
Today the Fer à Cheval continues to shape its surroundings. It represents a bygone era of innovative construction. Yet it seamlessly fits into the contemporary landscape. The building stands as a proud reminder of the city’s architectural heritage. A symbol of Brussels’ ambition and its unique personality. The Fer à Cheval. A symbol of progress. A testament to time. A Brussels landmark.