Maison Govaerts – Huis Govaerts

Can a building have two lives? Maison Govaerts – Huis Govaerts certainly did. Right here at 112 Rue de Liedekerke, this striking Art Nouveau building stands as a testament to transformation. Originally built in a neoclassical style in 1864, Maison Govaerts – Huis Govaerts was reborn in 1899. Architect Léon Govaerts, for whom the house is named, redesigned it as his personal residence. He embraced the burgeoning Art Nouveau movement, imbuing the building with its signature elegance and intricate details. The vibrant polychromy of the façade immediately catches the eye. White glazed brick contrasts beautifully with the red brick of the arches and the blue stone of the base. Sgraffito, a decorative plasterwork technique, adds a touch of orange and vegetal motifs. The central oriel, a projecting bay window, is supported by ornate consoles typical of geometric Art Nouveau. The façade’s vertical lines create a sense of upward movement, emphasized by the sgraffito connecting the windows. Look closely at the second-floor windows. You’ll see terracotta torch decorations crowning the arches. Inside, Govaerts respected the original neoclassical layout but added Art Nouveau flourishes. A stucco cornice with vegetal motifs adorns the dining room. Stained-glass windows with floral patterns grace the winter garden and stairwell. A wrought-iron balustrade adds a final touch of elegance to the staircase. Maison Govaerts – Huis Govaerts served as a private residence until 1995. Then, the commune of Saint-Josse-ten-Noode renovated it. Today, it thrives as a community center, housing social and legal services. The building’s restoration included replacing the deteriorated metal structure of the oriel with a contemporary steel one, carefully replicating the original sgraffito. So, as you stand before Maison Govaerts – Huis Govaerts, remember its dual existence. It’s a testament to architectural evolution and the enduring power of artistic vision. It reminds us that even amidst change, beauty can be preserved and repurposed for the benefit of the community.