Arian Schelstraete architect

Architect Arian Schelstraete bought a former brewery warehouse in Rue Fin/Finstraat in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean/Sint-Jans-Molenbeek to turn it into a home for himself. He has divided the building into three apartments and a ground-floor space that can be used by the local community and any groups in need of additional space. A large shared skylight brings light into each apartment. This glass-covered area has given the building a new lease of life, but Arian was also keen to preserve traces of the past, so the original brickwork and concrete ceilings have been left exposed. The roof has been turned into a communal social area to address the well-being needs resulting from the COVID pandemic. From there, the building's residents can look down on the hustle and bustle of Brussels without leaving the peace and security of home.

This project is a be.exemplary 2018 winner.