IKE´S CORNER

Welcome to IKE’S CORNER, our first project in Brussels. Nestled in a quiet neighbourhood around the corner of Josaphat Park, it’s a pleasure to be contributing to the area’s contemporary village character. Through a collaboration with LOW architects, our new project promises to settle into and improve the neighbourhood sympathetically, with a dedicated focus on nurturing community and exemplifying greenery. The architecture at IKE’S CORNER is sensitive to the demands that urban living places on our environment. We’ve created spaces to positively influence daily living both inside and out, and to inherently support interaction with neighbours, not simply at IKE’S CORNER, but also within its broader context.

Neighbourhood

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.

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.

IKE

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.

Architecture

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.

Very good apartments

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.

Moments

Sights, sounds, and textures shape our understanding of architecture and influence how we experience a building. In exploring this concept, LOW Architects have designed a series of moments that unfold as you walk from street to door.

Initially, you are greeted by a welcoming, brightly colored front gate, followed by a lengthy and graceful corridor. Gradually, the noises of the city fade away, allowing you to unconsciously escape the chaos and hustle of urban life. The entry corridor is crafted as a sequence of small, joyful moments that help you recalibrate after a long day. As you step through the doorway, the building begins to reveal its essence.

Interior

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.

Kitchen

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.

Bathroom

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.

Glazing

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

Terraces

Terraces are intended to connect inside with outside. We designed them to be a tactile and emotive outdoor area and the relationship between building and plant life is very present. They are well-planned spaces adding a free-flowing movement to the apartments. 

 

 

IKE´S garden

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 garden

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.

Design Signature

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.

Front Gate

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.

Common space

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

Apartment entry

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.

Kitchen

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.

Terraces

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

Green

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.

Team

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 Architects

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

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.

Thoughts on location

Neighborhood Walks’ is a captivating photo series by local resident and connoisseur Thomas Driesen, commissioned by ISTATE to document the streets and flavors of the Josaphat area in his quirky style. This collection offers a contemplative perspective on Schaerbeek’s DNA and urban fabric.

Thomas lives in Schaarbeek and loves to stroll around with his camera. “Schaarbeek has quickly become my favourite place in Brussels. This neighbourhood is all about contrasts. City versus green, rough versus sophisticated, dark versus light. "Every time I discover new details to capture”.

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