GRAEG
Renovation, extension and interior fit-out of a farmstead into a brasserie, situated on the estate of Gaasbeek Castle (Lennik, Belgium)
a close and perfect collab with our friends of Origin Architecture & Engineering
For this project, the preservation of the building’s character was a guiding principle, with a clear preference for subtle enhancements over extensive restoration. The design seeks a careful balance between old and new, using the historical fabric as a strong and legible foundation for contemporary interventions. Existing qualities, materiality and patina are respected, while targeted architectural gestures introduce clarity and renewed spatial coherence.
New apertures in the façades—particularly in the former farmhouse and the barn—were introduced to enhance transparency and strengthen the relationship between interior and exterior. These openings not only reveal the new restaurant to passers-by, but also bring daylight deeper into the building, increasing spatial depth and improving orientation within the existing structure.
Architecture and interior design are conceived as an inseparable whole. The new façade openings generate internal spatial lines that help structure the programme and reinforce its internal logic. Carefully selected interventions, such as the removal of inner walls and the integration of acoustic and comfort-related solutions, improve functionality while maintaining visual calm and spatial continuity.
Sustainability is addressed through integrated measures such as geothermal heating, internal insulation that preserves the historic exterior, high-performance glazing and the use of durable, environmentally responsible materials.
The result is a balanced and future-oriented project in which historical character and contemporary use coexist naturally, ensuring long-term relevance, comfort and adaptability within a protected context.
