Chateau d’Eau is project by BHAM design studio. It’s actually a WWII water tower in Steenokkerzeel, Belgium which is converted into luxury home. The tower was built between 1938 and 1941 and was functional until the beginning of the nineties and was used by the Nazis during the 2nd world war as a “tour de guete”. Then in 2007, when project started, a 30m tall concrete tower suffered a complete renovation and conversion into a single family and work area. Revamped from an old and used water tower, the Chateau D’eau features all modern amenities but staying true to its original structure and look.
According to the architects, “the preservation of existing concrete elements such as the main water conduct, concrete ceilings, concrete stairs and the 250.000 liters concrete water basin were essential to preserve the strong identity of the building. Every visible concrete element inside was painted in dark grey in order to mark the old from the new. The program foresees two distinct profiles of users. The private and main user is the client, a couple living at the tower daily. Every room is equipped with the latest IT technology, domotics and the possibility to install projectors virtually anywhere on the top floor”.
After renovation, the six-story house with a great panoramic view of the nearby village includes a main entrance and 2 car garage, a technical room, storage and utility, a guest room with bath and office, a circular main bedroom with it’s own bath, a library, a cloak room, a cat house, a livingroom, a kitchen, a dining room and a panoramic terrace with wood flooring and outdoor shower.
