Whereas the builder's foreign career was about to come to an end, the team of Mieke Van Herck architects started with the design of Residence ST in Belgium. A monumental entrance hall with double staircase was the starting point and heart of the entire concept. The interior of the stately villa was also decorated entirely and down to the smallest detail: from the furnishing with renowned design (by Minotti inside and Tribù outside, among others) to the functional equipment with bed and bath linen, kitchenware, etc.
Residence ST
Characteristic of Residence ST is how authentic and natural materials such as natural stone make their way throughout the house. They are also found outside. Only in the children's room the team wisely chose ceramic materials instead. Without detracting from the contemporary language of form, the family requested that a number of classic style elements that are currently making a comeback would be incorporated, such as mouldings, skirting boards and high ceilings. In terms of colour, the architectural team delved a little deeper than usual into the dark palette, opting for several warm versions of taupe, the favourite colour of the lady of the house.
Especially on the upper floor, the distinct colour choice creates a secure, sophisticated and luxurious feel. Particular eye-catchers there include the use of black marble, deep dark mortex in the shower room, black steel doors and a black, a freestanding circular bathtub in the bathroom. The master bedroom feels like a lavishly furnished hotel suite, matching a statement dressing with the glamorous look and feel of a designer boutique. The Mieke Van Herck team knows better than anyone that details matter. That is why, for example, the edges of the mirror in the dressing room were polished for an extra chic effect.
The fact that every resident feels at home in Mieke Van Herck's realisations is made clear, among other things, in the large basement space of Residence ST. There, the basement room was transformed into a mancave with home cinema, pool area, a corner lounge with fireplace, a bar and a gym. A custom-made artwork by Steve Locatelli hangs in the entrance to the mancave. The architectural team gave the world-renowned artist a piece of marble that is running through the house as a starting point, and he strung with wire an imposing skull in the same colour palette.
We make a final stop at Residence ST's pool house. With a modest nod to Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona pavilion the architects opted for a sleek design, Pierre de Varennes natural stone finish and bronze accents in the roof support. The garden pavilion includes a kitchen, bar and seating area with the signature high-end furnishings that make Mieke Van Herck's residences so unique.