IKE´S CORNER

A sweeping canopy of trees lines the quiet street, corner parks are alive with birdsong and calm activity, and the nearby buildings are steeped in rich history. Schaerbeek is known for its leafy streets, heritage architecture, hidden sanctuaries and diverse providores. We love our neighbourhood for its greenery and high walkability factor. Nearby are schools, sport facilities, grocery shops, café’s, dining options and of course Josaphat Park.

Just around the corner of IKE you‘ll find Josaphat Park, a green oasis in the heart of Schaerbeek. The park is over 100 years old and deeply rooted in the history of the neighbourhood. It‘s an urban oasis offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily city life.

Josaphat Park is one of the largest parks in Brussels and a favorite walking spot among Brussels residents. Fairytale vibes are never far away and getting lost here is our number one recommended thing to do. Throughout the year, concerts, cultural events, guided walks and discovery tours take place in the park.

There’s always something unique about corner buildings. Positioned at intersections, they provide varying viewpoints and play a role in shaping the appearance of the street. IKE'S CORNER is situated at the junction of Rue G. Devreese and Av. Général Eisenhower.

We named this project IKE, as a reference to the nickname of Dwight Eisenhower, the American general known for his peace policy and multiculti approach. We always aim to arrive at a truly cohesive design, defined by layers of thought, and gently connecting buildings, neighbourhoods and people.

Inspired by the varied and tactile textures of Schaerbeek, the façade features bold and remarkable materials: bricks and concrete. They are brimming with character and will develop a warm patina as years go by. The architecture offers a new interpretation of the area’s eclectic style and art deco influences. IKE´S CORNER is celebrating the history of the neighbourhood in a design driven by care and respect.

When encountered from the street, the building appears as a surprising collection of layers. One upon the other, the new contemporary layer is reimagining the building‘s history. The red bricks and layered architecture add an unexpected twist to the surrounding streetscape. The building is part of the street, and vice versa.

ISTATE firmly believes in a design approach where existing architecture is respected. IKE‘S CORNER will bring new life to a former postal office dating back to the 1930s. Inspired by the authentic character of its surrounding streets and eclectic culture, IKE‘S CORNER is a limited collection of 18 contemporary 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, a penthouse and two maisonettes.

From the existing façade to the refined interior spaces, the design team has ensured IKE’S CORNER acknowledges the form, history and present day character whilst naturally advocating sustainable living within quality, carefully designed homes.

The interiors at IKE’s CORNER are designed to be warm and inviting, well-planned spaces underscored by generous amounts of natural light. Clever storage solutions are intuitively designed and made to maximise living space.

Taking cues from the building’s modernist period, the interiors embrace a pared back aesthetic which speaks to the authentic character of its surroundings. A sense of simplicity in the material palette imbues the space with a relaxed feel, allowing occupants to individualise their own home. An exercise in restraint has allowed the honest expression of materials such as concrete, timber and terrazzo.

The design of the kitchen is a translation of the identity and layering of the building’s façade towards the interior and comfort of the residence. Materials chosen for the kitchen are durable, easy to clean and provide ample space for preparation. Designed to facilitate hosting while celebrating the culinary arts, kitchens include a full-width cooking island-cum-bar — a major interior feature that proudly underscores the art of cooking and refl ects the journey of a dish from stove to plate.

Whether loved ones are over for a quiet night in or a weekend celebration, they will feel at ease in this curated space.

ISTATE bathrooms are relaxing spaces where colour, materials and light are setting a calming tone. Neutral colours, off-white tiles and a terrazzo floor create a warm glow and almost spa-like atmosphere. Functional yet cleverly hidden storage turns this bathroom into a smart space.

Floor to ceiling glazing and large openings onto terraces help you connect to the outdoors, increasing the livability of the space all year round.

IKE‘S CORNER garden is designed by Jan Bleys and his landscape architecture firm Ars Horti. The idea is to create a secret, quiet, and contemporary green corner in the city. Part of the old construction was dismantled to make room for a continuous green inner area and urban horticulture. The architectural garden is partially covered by concrete beams that create a sheltered open-air oasis.

With quiet nooks and a veggie garden, the inner city jungle provides quiet off -street breathing space, canopied and surrounded by lush greenery. It is a place for sharing with friends and family beyond the apartment, while the communal clothes-drying area off ers many a moment to connect with neighbours.

IKE‘S CORNER garden is designed by Jan Bleys and his landscape architecture firm Ars Horti. The idea is to create a secret, quiet, and contemporary green corner in the city. Part of the old construction was dismantled to make room for a continuous green inner area and urban horticulture. The architectural garden is partially covered by concrete beams that create a sheltered open-air oasis.

With quiet nooks and a veggie garden, the inner city jungle provides quiet off -street breathing space, canopied and surrounded by lush greenery. It is a place for sharing with friends and family beyond the apartment, while the communal clothes-drying area off ers many a moment to connect with neighbours.

The distinctive and highly livable design of IKE’s Corner is complemented by well-thought-out design signatures. These exclusive features have been carefully curated by ISTATE to maximize the enjoyment of the space, ensuring that IKE’s common areas and private apartments can be fully utilized and perfectly enjoyed by its inhabitants.

When looking at the building, you observe the distinct volumetry of the design. IKE’S CORNER is in tune with its surroundings: noticed in the street, without brutally changing the scene. The entrance to the building is a gentle, breathing space, on the intersection between city life and daily living. The front gate is designed in tactile materials with elegant steel, concrete and terracotta tile details, bringing a sense of occasion and welcome upon arrival.

Shadows are drawing different games on the wall and daylight in the portal changes every minute. Each arrival or departure will feel a little different from the last.

As well as quality design, durable materials and carefully chosen artwork, the familiar design cues throughout the interiors give a sense of arriving home before you’ve even stepped into your apartment

There’s nothing quite like arriving home after a long day. Apartment entries provide a front door and threshold made of quality materials with the comforting glow of a welcome light. But most of all, they provide a sense of arriving home.

The design of the kitchen is a translation of the identity and layering of the building’s façade towards the interior and comfort of the residence. Materials chosen for the kitchen are durable, easy to clean and provide ample space for preparation. Designed to facilitate hosting while celebrating the culinary arts, kitchens include a full-width cooking island-cum-bar — a major interior feature that proudly underscores the art of cooking and reflects the journey of a dish from stove to plate. 

Whether loved ones are over for a quiet night in or a weekend celebration, they will feel at ease in this curated space.

Floor to ceiling glazing and large openings onto terraces help you connect to the outdoors, increasing the livability of the space all year round.

With quiet nooks and a veggie garden, the inner city jungle provides quiet off-street breathing space, canopied and surrounded by lush greenery. It is a place for sharing with friends and family beyond the apartment, while the communal clothes-drying area offers many a moment to connect with neighbours.

IKE‘s corner is built upon layers of thought. As each layer is added, complexity increases. But at the heart of it all is a simple and pure idea – highly liveable spaces. For each layer to blend seamlessly with the next, ISTATE has carefully chosen some of the sharpest creative and real estate talent that Belgium has to offer.

ISTATE connects buildings with neighbourhoods and people. Our projects are deliberately mixed-use: they combine homes with shops, coworking spaces or restaurants. ISTATE develops real estate in smart locations, often in emerging neighbourhoods. Our buildings will never disrupt a skyline, but will always stand out. Our design language is noted, yet discrete. 
 

LOW is an architecture and design office based in Antwerp, founded by partners Stijn Cockx and Tom Hindryckx. Well-known projects are the Alpha Tower and Little Willy in Brussels, but also Merlijn primary school in Tongeren. They describe their design language as ‚brutal yet refined‘. LOW opts for integrated innovation. 

Ars Horti was founded by Jan Bleys and interweaves urban planning, landscape, nature, heritage and contemporary visual arts. Some of their famous projects are a wilderness in the courtyard of Tomorrowland‘s office, or the outdoor dining room for Michelin-starred restaurant De Pastorale.