1930s E. Van Steenbergen modernist house in Vosselaar, Antwerp, Belgium
Another great find from this part of the world, this 1930s E. Van Steenbergen modernist house in Vosselaar, Antwerp, Belgium is looking for a new owner.
What is it about Belgium and untouched modernist architecture. There really is so much of it, as you will discover with a look around the Belgium archive.
Like any of those houses, this one, which is being sold via Architecten Woning, really does scream potential. It needs work, but the key features are still in place. Someone could create their dream home with a little imagination and the right investment.
Amazingly, this house actually dates from 1933 and as you might have guessed, was incredibly modern for its time. It’s also a very well thought-out piece of architecture in terms of proportion and layout.
To my eyes, the house has been updated here and there, but in the main, not for a number of years. The house itself has barely changed, if at all, structurally.
That angular structure is over two floors and in brick with a plaster finish, with a lower level construction at the rear that was originally the wash house.
Very much in the international style, the house has rows of glazing at the front on both floors, which is obviously quite striking. But there’s more. Check out that side and its double-height wall of glass showcasing that amazing staircase. More on that in a moment.
The window frames seem to have been updated in the past, but the design itself is untouched. A lovely little touch with the contrasting brick at the end of the window run on the ground floor too.
Once inside, the work required is evident, but so is the potential for this well-preserved piece of modernism.
The original floorplan is the same as it was in the 1930s, but the functionality within has obviously changed over the decades.
Of course, that largely open staircase is the standout feature of this place, facing you pretty much as soon as you enter the property. Love the slight curve and of course, that framing by the wall of glazing.
As for that layout, on the ground floor is that hallway with staircase, a living room that runs the width of the house and a ‘former’ kitchen with airy dining area (currently used as office space). There’s also a basement laundry room with toilet at the back, which is used as the kitchen today. A former pergola is now used as the bathroom.
The upper floor has the bedrooms, which total three, along with fitted storage units/wardrobes on the landing.
As for the condition, it looks like the house was updated in the mid-20th century in terms of some of the fixtures and fittings, but a lot of the 1930s is still in place.
I’m looking at the front door, the internal doors, some wooden panelling, some of the light fittings and possibly some of the fitted bedroom furniture. Enough to maintain the original character of the house, that’s for sure.
The new owner will obviously want to preserve and make the most of those. Whether you want to keep the later additions is perhaps down to personal taste.
At the end of the day, the house needs a rethink in terms of the layout and bringing back to its best as a modern-era family home. For someone with a love of 1930s modernism, this should be a dream project and a great opportunity to own something of architectural significance that doesn’t break the bank.
Yes, that’s another selling point. The house and its good-sized plot are on the market for €315,000. Not bad for a piece of significant modernist architecture with original details.
Images and details courtesy of Architecten Woning. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
