BERK House Transformation by Bauclub: A Sculptural Renovation in the Heart of Brussels

In the vibrant architectural landscape of Brussels, Bauclub, a young and emerging architecture studio, undertakes a sensitive and poetic renovation of a typical multi-storey apartment. Titled the BERK House Transformation, this project redefines interior spatial relationships while responding to the ordinary urban typology of Brussels’ historic housing stock. Designed for a family of illustrators and their young daughter, the apartment is reconceived as a layered domestic environment where movement, light, and perspective converge.

Contextual Sensitivity Meets Spatial Innovation

Positioned on the upper levels of a traditional townhouse, the BERK apartment embraces the typological constraints of its context while strategically subverting them. Rather than expanding outward, the intervention takes an introverted architectural approach, focusing on internal spatial richness and the transformation of the existing structure from within.

The most striking feature of the renovation is the sculptural stairwell. By reimagining the vertical circulation as the central element of the project, Bauclub introduces a spatial void that becomes the heart of the apartment. This newly carved vertical axis allows natural light to penetrate deep into the building, especially through carefully designed zenithal openings, giving life to previously dim, enclosed areas.

Vertical Light and Layered Perspectives

The staircase is not just a means of movement, but a spatial device that organizes the apartment. As it rises through the floors, it draws in soft, natural daylight from above, animating the living spaces with a serene ambiance. This vertical gesture also opens up a variety of visual perspectives—horizontal, vertical, and oblique—crafting a dynamic interplay of views across the home's levels.

Each floor is carefully planned to enhance the sense of depth and continuity, with materials such as exposed wood beams, warm timber finishes, and minimalist details that emphasize craftsmanship and texture. The rear façade, now liberated from traditional structural constraints, becomes a canvas for light to play against, subtly transforming the domestic atmosphere.

A Home for Creativity and Intimacy

Designed for a creative family, the space accommodates moments of solitude and collaboration. By preserving intimacy in the private zones while encouraging openness in shared areas, Bauclub achieves a harmonious balance suited to both the professional and domestic lives of its occupants. The renovation champions a quiet radicality, favoring architectural subtlety over spectacle.

The BERK House Transformation is a compelling example of contemporary apartment renovation in Brussels, where contextual awareness meets spatial experimentation. Bauclub’s thoughtful design not only respects the heritage of the existing building but elevates it into a sculptural, light-filled haven for living and creating.

All Photographs are works of Nicolas Da Silva Lucas