Architecture studio B BRAND has redesigned the interior of an iconic 1986 postmodernist home designed by renowned Belgian architect Jo Crepain. The project, called Blue House, is a contemporary interpretation of Crepain's signature formal language, while respecting his original design principles.
The renovation focused on preserving the original architecture. B BRAND subtly integrated modern elements into the existing structure, aiming for a harmonious dialogue between old and new. Historic elements were not only preserved but also revalued, allowing the home to retain its architectural integrity.
Materialization played a crucial role in this. Typical Crepain materials, such as the steel staircase with gratings and the birch plywood roof cladding, were refreshed and honored. The iconic glass valley walls were replaced with new, insulating glass walls that meet contemporary energy standards. The mushroom-shaped passageway was retained as a playful architectural element that enhances the postmodernist character of the house.
The name Blue House refers to the ultramarine blue color that Crepain applied to the exterior elements at the time and which was now extended to the interior. During the design process, blue grew into a unifying element that intertwines the various spaces. This use of color reinforces the interaction between heritage and innovation and contributes to the timeless look of the home.
With Blue House, B BRAND not only pays homage to the legacy of Jo Crepain, but also completes the circle: the house returns to its origins within the architecture studio once founded by Crepain. This project proves how contemporary comfort and postmodernist architecture can merge seamlessly.
