© bepictures . Published on October 19, 2011.

A punctual intervention, centred on the heart of a traditional townhouse in Brussels, gave to this dwelling an outstanding character. Transparency, reflections and connections between the differents levels determine the daily routine of the large family living in. From the first floor, the stairwell was entirely emptied on the three higher-ups levels. A staircase in open-worked metal links together the two first floors. At each level, glazed windows were handled with care, on all the height of the dividing wall, bringing a real physical feeling, not so far from vertigo. Some of them are pierced by little round openings, allowing inhabitant to communicate from a level to another one. Behind the windowpanes, the platforms, transitions spaces, were covered by OSB stain in black, creating a mirror effect to those who look at them from the opposite openings. In front of these openings, mirrors were installed on the blind attached wall. The family benefits the unexpected connections of this surprising arrangement, worthy of Lewis Caroll.

First floor – View from the living through the central transition space

© bepictures . Published on October 19, 2011.

First floor – Limits of the intervention on the east blind wall

© bepictures . Published on October 19, 2011.

First floor – Limits of the intervention on the west blind wall

© bepictures . Published on October 19, 2011.

First floor – View of the central transition space

© Label Architecture . Published on October 19, 2011.

First floor – Low-angle view of the stairwell

© bepictures . Published on October 19, 2011.

First floor – Low-angle view of the stairwell

© bepictures . Published on October 19, 2011.

Second floor – View of the stairwell’s reflections from the black transition space

© bepictures . Published on October 19, 2011.

Second floor – View of the stairwell’s reflections from the black transition space

© bepictures . Published on October 19, 2011.

Second floor – View from the black transition space toward children’s bedroom

© bepictures . Published on October 19, 2011.

Second floor – View of the “bypass” transition space between the two stairwells

© bepictures . Published on October 19, 2011.

Third floor – View from the black transition space toward master bedroom

© bepictures . Published on October 19, 2011.

Third floor – View from the master bedroom through the transition space

© bepictures . Published on October 19, 2011.

Third floor – Natural lighting of the second staircase

© bepictures . Published on October 19, 2011.

© Label Architecture . Published on October 19, 2011.

© Label Architecture . Published on October 19, 2011.