De Meester | 7728008 | For sale | ANTWERP CITY CENTRE – A...

ANTWERP CITY CENTRE – Architect’s house bOb Van Reeth

In the heart of historic Antwerp lies this exceptional townhouse, designed by Bob Van Reeth, co-founder of AWG Architects and former Flemish Government Architect. For many years, the building served as his private residence and architectural office, and remains a tangible expression of his design philosophy: architecture conceived not as a temporary object, but as a durable urban structure. Designed to stand the test of time, the property is robust, clear and adaptable, with a carefully considered balance of light, materials and space. Rather than seeking to dominate its surroundings, the architecture is naturally anchored in its historic urban context, creating a timeless building that evolves with the city.

A Building with Character

Behind the understated street façade unfolds a surprisingly rich architectural world. The interior combines the restrained elegance of polished black granite with the playfulness of curved walls and circular skylights. Throughout the building, glass walls, translucent partitions and a sculptural central staircase create a continuous interplay between transparency and intimacy.

An impressive double-height living space forms the heart of the home. A circular skylight and large glazed surfaces flood the room with natural light. The fully equipped semi-professional kitchen, with stainless-steel worktops and a large island, is perfectly suited to entertaining larger groups. Both the kitchen and living area open onto a surprisingly extensive formal French garden. Mature trees, precisely clipped box hedges, a water feature and lush greenery create a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city — a true rarity in this location. An orangery completes the setting. The carefully stepped design of the rear façade allows both garden and terrace to benefit from the sunlight.

The central staircase and lift provide access to the different levels, which accommodate generous bedrooms and living spaces. The bathrooms are finished in the same high-gloss natural stone used throughout the central core. The contemporary interpretation of a traditional stairwell, combined with the open front and rear façade structure, ensures a pleasant quality of living on every floor. From the third floor, a gallery offers sweeping views over Antwerp’s historic rooftops — a unique asset in the city centre — while the rear façade provides a beautiful green outlook over the garden.

The entire property is also basemented, providing extensive storage space.

This is far more than an ordinary residence: it is an architectural document, a property in which design, materials and space function as a carefully conceived whole. For lovers of timeless architecture and design, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of Antwerp’s architectural heritage, right in the vibrant heart of the city.