68. Van Eycken House

Designed in 1933 for André Van Eycken, contractor and concessionaire of Bétons Hennebique in Brussels, this corner house forms an ensemble with the neighbouring building (192-194 Avenue Voltaire). Facing Josaphat Park, the two buildings, simultaneously erected by architect Jos Bal, share a continuous façade and are connected by a decorative vertical frieze influenced by the Amsterdam School. Since the demise of André Van Eycken in 1965, the house underwent major transformations by its various owners before being sold in 2017. Passionate about the 1930s, the current owners set out to restore the original configuration, (re)dividing the house into two separate dwellings. Based on a prior historical study, they managed to recreate an Art Deco-style interior by integrating original elements, reinterpreting details inspired by other contemporary buildings, and integrating elements and period furniture from Brussels or even Shanghai. This original visit will allow you to understand the evolution and adaptation of a house in line with the way of life and tastes of its various occupants.

Arch. Jos BAL, 1933