ISM Architecten

ISM Architecten i.s.m.architecten are Wim Van Der Vurst and Koen Pauwels. As an architecture/interior architecture f

Located in the centre of Edegem, this newly built mixed-use building replaces a deteriorated commercial property on a pl...
17/03/2026

Located in the centre of Edegem, this newly built mixed-use building replaces a deteriorated commercial property on a plot just over five metres wide. The project combines a ground-floor hospitality programme with two dwellings above, organised within a compact urban footprint.

The ground floor and basement accommodate a delicatessen and dining space. A recessed façade forms a sheltered entrance that connects the premises directly to the street while organising access to the apartments above.

Within the hospitality space, the design explores ways of creating spatial generosity within the constraints of the narrow footprint. The interior unfolds as a sequence of functions articulated through subtle shifts in level, materiality and colour.

At the rear, the dining area is covered by a roof composed of two sloping planes incorporating continuous strip windows, allowing daylight to pe*****te deep into the interior. A sunken seating area introduces additional variation in the section. A folding glazed opening connects the space to the garden at the back of the plot, effectively bookending the terrace at the front façade.

Above the hospitality space, two dwellings are organised across a series of split levels that expand the spatial experience within the limited width of the building.

The façade is finished in vertically profiled timber cladding with a grey-green tone, subtly referencing the colour of the dome of the nearby Basilica of Our Lady of Lourdes. The building positions itself as a restrained yet distinctive addition to the heterogeneous streetscape of the Hovestraat.

Location Edegem, Antwerp(BE)
completion 2023
client
program Newly built mixed use building
architecture & interior architecture s.m.architecten icw
photographs

SILI (III/III) is the transformation of a former café in Kalmthout into a dwelling.As in many renovation projects, the e...
12/02/2026

SILI (III/III) is the transformation of a former café in Kalmthout into a dwelling.

As in many renovation projects, the existing building becomes an active partner in the design
process. Alongside the wishes of the clients, the project engages with the logic, character and
potential of the building itself, allowing it to inform the transformation.

In this case, the intervention responds to the specific conditions of the site. As the building is
positioned along the edge of the plot, this condition opened up the possibility to consider the
side façade as the main façade, rather than the traditional front elevation. To support this shift,
the existing façade is extended according to its original rhythm and proportions. This extension
continues as a freestanding element, concealing a secluded space behind it. This interstitial
space mediates between house and garden and also redefines the way the dwelling is entered,
with arrival taking place through this transitional zone rather than through the rarely used front
door.

In the materialisation of the façade, a unifying material was sought that would not compete with
the existing rhythm, while still offering depth and subtlety. The ex*****on in wired glass
reinforces the existing order and introduces depth, reflection and a calibrated, continuously
shifting filtering of light.

The new programme engages with the existing structure, treating it as a spatial framework
rather than a neutral envelope. The ground floor forms a continuous living space, open to the
garden. Private spaces are located on the upper floor, including the main bedroom with en-suite
bathroom, two additional bedrooms and a shared bathroom.

All Photoshop by

SILI (II/III) is the transformation of a former café in Kalmthout into a dwelling.As in many renovation projects, the ex...
12/02/2026

SILI (II/III) is the transformation of a former café in Kalmthout into a dwelling.

As in many renovation projects, the existing building becomes an active partner in the design
process. Alongside the wishes of the clients, the project engages with the logic, character and
potential of the building itself, allowing it to inform the transformation.

In this case, the intervention responds to the specific conditions of the site. As the building is
positioned along the edge of the plot, this condition opened up the possibility to consider the
side façade as the main façade, rather than the traditional front elevation. To support this shift,
the existing façade is extended according to its original rhythm and proportions. This extension
continues as a freestanding element, concealing a secluded space behind it. This interstitial
space mediates between house and garden and also redefines the way the dwelling is entered,
with arrival taking place through this transitional zone rather than through the rarely used front
door.

In the materialisation of the façade, a unifying material was sought that would not compete with
the existing rhythm, while still offering depth and subtlety. The ex*****on in wired glass
reinforces the existing order and introduces depth, reflection and a calibrated, continuously
shifting filtering of light.

The new programme engages with the existing structure, treating it as a spatial framework
rather than a neutral envelope. The ground floor forms a continuous living space, open to the
garden. Private spaces are located on the upper floor, including the main bedroom with en-suite
bathroom, two additional bedrooms and a shared bathroom.

All photos by

SILI is the transformation of a former café in Kalmthout into a dwelling.As in many renovation projects, the existing bu...
12/02/2026

SILI is the transformation of a former café in Kalmthout into a dwelling.

As in many renovation projects, the existing building becomes an active partner in the design
process. Alongside the wishes of the clients, the project engages with the logic, character and
potential of the building itself, allowing it to inform the transformation.

In this case, the intervention responds to the specific conditions of the site. As the building is
positioned along the edge of the plot, this condition opened up the possibility to consider the
side façade as the main façade, rather than the traditional front elevation. To support this shift,
the existing façade is extended according to its original rhythm and proportions. This extension
continues as a freestanding element, concealing a secluded space behind it. This interstitial
space mediates between house and garden and also redefines the way the dwelling is entered,
with arrival taking place through this transitional zone rather than through the rarely used front
door.

In the materialisation of the façade, a unifying material was sought that would not compete with
the existing rhythm, while still offering depth and subtlety. The ex*****on in wired glass
reinforces the existing order and introduces depth, reflection and a calibrated, continuously
shifting filtering of light.

The new programme engages with the existing structure, treating it as a spatial framework
rather than a neutral envelope. The ground floor forms a continuous living space, open to the
garden. Private spaces are located on the upper floor, including the main bedroom with en-suite
bathroom, two additional bedrooms and a shared bathroom.

All photos by

X-mas comes right on time!We just produced a new batch of our ST.04 stool.Mirrored plexiglass × aluminiumHeight 45 cmØ 3...
24/12/2025

X-mas comes right on time!
We just produced a new batch of our ST.04 stool.

Mirrored plexiglass × aluminium
Height 45 cm
Ø 32 cm

€350 per stool (incl. VAT, excl. delivery)
Delivery foreseen for end of January

Upon purchase, each buyer receives a digital ST.04 stool card — to gift or to keep while waiting for delivery.

Limited availability — first come, first served.
DM to reserve.

We openen de deuren van LAYA in Berchem!Een neoklassieke rijwoning met een eigentijds karakter.👀 Kom ontdekken hoe we de...
29/08/2025

We openen de deuren van LAYA in Berchem!
Een neoklassieke rijwoning met een eigentijds karakter.

👀 Kom ontdekken hoe we deze renovatie aanpakten
💡 Laat je inspireren tijdens een rondleiding
📅 Zondag 28 september – welkom tussen 13u00 en 17u00

👉 Inschrijven via [link in bio] – plaatsen zijn beperkt!

Foto’s: http://www.luisdiazdiaz.com/

.s.m.architecten

It’s a win!! Stoked, super proud and überhappy to be part of the  team at the prestigious   .Massive thank you to Christ...
23/02/2025

It’s a win!! Stoked, super proud and überhappy to be part of the team at the prestigious .

Massive thank you to Christophe for bringing us along on this wonderful journey and giant felicitations to .demunt for winning Best Opera House of the year!!

🙏🏻 for drawings, model, blood, sweat and patience

Brief anthology of our collaboration with .demunt :

1 TURANDOT, 2024, photo Simon Van Rompay
4-5 FOXIE, THE CUNNING LITTLE VIXEN, 2017 photo Bernd Uhlig
6-7 BLUEBEARD’S CASTLE & THE MIRACULOUS MANDARIN, 2018 photo Simon van rompay
8 NORMA, 2021 photo Karl Forster
9-10 TURANDOT, 2024 photo Simon Van Rompay

It’s a win!! Stoked, super proud and überhappy to be part  team at the prestigious   .Massive thank you to Christophe fo...
23/02/2025

It’s a win!! Stoked, super proud and überhappy to be part team at the prestigious .

Massive thank you to Christophe for bringing us along on this wonderful journey and giant felicitations to .demunt for being Best Opera House of the year!!

🙏🏻 for drawings, model, blood, sweat and patience

Brief anthology of our collaboration with CC .demunt

1 TURANDOT, 2024, photo Simon Van Rompay
4-5 FOXIE, THE CUNNING LITTLE VIXEN, 2017 photo Bernd Uhlig
6-7 BLUEBEARD’S CASTLE & THE MIRACULOUS MANDARIN, 2018 photo Simon van rompay
8 NORMA, 2021 photo Karl Forster
9-10 TURANDOT, 2024 photo @ Simon van rompay

/ OLLOOThis project involved the renovation of a terraced house in Ghent. Given the limited width of the space, we focus...
20/06/2024

/ OLLOO

This project involved the renovation of a terraced house in Ghent. Given the limited width of the space, we focused on enhancing spatiality and functionality by embracing the existing architectural features, particularly the skylight and beams.

We designed a multifunctional, elongated cupboard that integrates an office desk, storage, and appliances. The kitchen features a distinctive triangular extension, meeting the clients’ wish for a conversational area while cooking.

To optimise space, we utilised bespoke, compact furniture, meticulously arranged to maximise density and functionality. The rear façade was designed for maximum transparency, fostering a strong connection with the outdoor terrace.

More on our website:
www.ismarchitecten.be/OLLOO

📷 by

/ TEVI . part twoOpposite the kitchen, a built-in bench integrates with the TV cabinet, wrapping around an existing colu...
19/05/2024

/ TEVI . part two
Opposite the kitchen, a built-in bench integrates with the TV cabinet, wrapping around an existing column. A red plexiglass light fixture adds warmth and charm. Light colors and reflective surfaces enhance the room's brightness.

More on our website:
www.ismarchitecten.be/TEVI

📷 by

/ LAYA . part three . 📷 by  , lover of light and loafers.
08/05/2024

/ LAYA . part three .

📷 by , lover of light and loafers.

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