https:\/\/archives.bruxelles.be\/almanachs.<\/a><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/interieur.jpg” title_text=”Interior” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Radiator-cover grille in the entrance hall.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_6_font=”Cormorant||on||||||” header_6_text_color=”#B59858″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The main feature of the stairwell is, of course, the large stained-glass window which originally flooded it with daylight. Following the 1992 extensions, the window no longer admits natural light and is backlit by electric lights. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/interieur-4.jpg” title_text=”Interior-4″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The central motif is a large fountain flowing symmetrically. This type of motif is typical of the Art Deco style, especially following the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts held in Paris in 1925, where visitors were able to admire an impressive 15m-tall illuminated fountain by Ren\u00e9 Lalique. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/interieur-3.jpg” title_text=”Interior-3″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Ren\u00e9 Lalique\u2019s fountain at the Paris Exhibition in 1925. \u00a9 Art Deco collection of Rheims and the Cities of the Greater East. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_6_font=”Cormorant||on||||||” header_6_text_color=”#B59858″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
On the first floor, the sitting room and dining room are the grandest rooms in the building, where the attention to detail is pushed to its zenith. <\/p>\n
As no original plans of the first floor have survived, it is difficult to be sure which of the two reception rooms was the sitting room and which was the dining room. However we can make an educated guess that the first room we come to having climbed the stairs was the dining room, as it is closer to the kitchen. Today it is laid out as a sitting room. Either side of the marble fireplace, with its wood-panelled mantelpiece are two sideboards, whose door keys are signed \u201cDe Coene Fr\u00e8res Courtrai\u201d. The bronze key plates of the sideboard doors are decorated with spiral motifs that are typical of the firm\u2019s work. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/interieur-8.jpg” title_text=”Interior-8″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Sideboard keyplate with spiral motifs and key inscribed \u201cDe Coene Fr\u00e8res Courtrai\u201d.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/interieur-7.jpg” title_text=”Interior-7″ force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Double doors leading to one of the reception rooms on the first floor decorated with glass bands painted with floral motifs. The door handles on the living room and hall sides are deliberately different in order to blend in with the decor. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/haltrap.png” title_text=”stairs” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Hall and main staircase and a photo of the newel post on the main staircase.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_6_font=”Cormorant||on||||||” header_6_text_color=”#B59858″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The lower part of the walls are panelled to match the mantelpiece and the sideboards. The walls are divided into sections by bands of carved wood. <\/p>\n
The central part of the room has a raised ceiling to show off a magnificent chandelier with a bronze frame, made up of pieces of moulded glass decorated with stylised flowers, also made by the De Coene firm. Either side of this central part, the ceiling is lower, which gives the room a sense of balance and intimacy. <\/p>\n
Here, the copper radiator screens are decorated with geometric designs and also with medallions featuring profiles of young women carrying stylised flowers. On this floor, all the window fanlights contain shimmering stained-glass panels depicting baskets of fruit and flowers, which were frequently used motifs following the 1925 Exhibition. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/interieur-11.jpg” title_text=”Interior-11″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The owners have decided to carefully furnish the rooms in the spirit of the period, including furniture by Jacques Adnet (1900-1984) and Jules Leleu (1883-1961), two French furniture and interior designers who became particularly famous during the Art Deco period.<\/p>\n
The light fittings on the landing and some of the office lamps were supplied by the Jean Perzel studio in Paris who, since 1923, have continued the tradition of manufacturing light fittings in streamlined shapes.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/interieur-10.jpg” title_text=”Interior-10″ align=”right” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Dining-room fireplace flanked by two sideboards.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/interieur-9.jpg” title_text=”interior-9″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Overall view of the dining room, used today as a sitting room.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/interieur-14.jpg” title_text=”Interior-14″ align=”right” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Overall view of the sitting room, today an office.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/interieur-15.jpg” title_text=”Interior-15″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Structural roof beams on the second floor. Almost an abstract work of art.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_6_font=”Cormorant||on||||||” header_6_text_color=”#B59858″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The sitting room, today used as an office, is located on the corner and is flooded with beautiful daylight. The radiator screens are topped with yellow Sienna marble shelves and are decorated with stylised flowers in their centres. The matching light fitting is probably also original and made by the De Coene firm. <\/p>\n
Since 2003, the walls in both rooms and those of the landing have undergone a restoration by Marianne De Wil, a specialist in decorative paintwork. The current owners have let her take inspiration from the building and the other works of Jean- Baptiste Dewin to create an unusual decorative scheme that brings to mind the Vienna Secession and Art Deco. <\/p>\n
An examination of photos taken before the building was restored shows that the walls in the reception rooms were originally decorated with gilded embossed material that looks like leather. This may have been gilded \u201ccardboard stone\u201d a product often used by the De Coene firm, which was one of the first to develop a process of mixing paper pulp with powdered clay and chalk. <\/p>\n
A link can be made with the Art Deco sitting room of the De Castillion hotel in Bruges, also decorated by the De Coene firm (1934). Either side of a double mirror are panels of gilded cardboard stone and the light fitting is identical to the one in the Riez building. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/interieur-12.jpg” title_text=”Interior-12″ align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Art Deco sitting room of the De Castillion hotel in Bruges. Photo by the author, 2022. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/interieur-13.jpg” title_text=”Interior-13″ force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#B59858″ text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”|5%||5%|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
CDA reception in 1982 in the presence of the CDA Chairman, Philippe Cl\u00e9ment (making a speech), Ir\u00e8ne de Molinari De Frenne, daughter of CDA\u2019s founder (seated on the left), Andr\u00e9 de Molinari (Managing Director, standing second from left) and Christiane de Molinari-Deschamps (standing on the far right). In the background can be seen the mantlepiece and the walls covered in a gilded material that looks like leather, but which is probably \u201ccardboard stone\u201d. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_6_font=”Cormorant||on||||||” header_6_text_color=”#B59858″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
From the landing, we go through to the kitchen, which can also be accessed from the service staircase. It represents the height of domestic comfort, light and hygiene at the time. Here the wooden parquet floors and panels give way to ceramic tiles that are easier to clean. Shades of grey predominate, with bands of small black-and-white tiles that hint at the Vienna Secession and give the space a sense of rhythm. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_6_font=”Cormorant||on||||||” header_6_text_color=”#B59858″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
At eye level, regularly spaced, low-relief, elongated palmate motifs add a decorative dimension. The same motifs are also reproduced in a large coloured stained-glass window at the back of the room. The original water pump, radiator with integral platewarmer, bell-board to summon the staff and built-in kitchen units have all survived in situ. The second floor of the building is decorated more soberly and is not open to the public. Today it is all used as offices by CDA. The corner room, under the pointed roof, has an open ceiling showing the structural beams. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/interieur-1.jpg” title_text=”Interior-1″ align=”right” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/interieur-16.jpg” title_text=”Interior-16″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Stained-glass window at rear of kitchen.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/binnenhuis.jpg” title_text=”Plan1″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” admin_label=”Afbeelding”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Plan 1<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_6_font=”Cormorant||on||||||” header_6_text_color=”#B59858″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Now let us turn to the interior layout of the residential building. To assist us in this, we have the ground-floor plan submitted as part of the application for the first building permit* (plan 1) and the second-floor plan (including a small part of the first floor and the basement) submitted as part of the application for the second building permit** (plan 2). No complete plan of the first floor exists, but the interior decoration scheme has been so well preserved that it is fairly easy to read how the spaces were intended to be used. <\/p>\n
The ground floor (plan 1) is laid out around a central hall (1), from which the main staircase leads up to the first floor. Today, all the rooms are used as offices and extensions have been built into the interior courtyard. Originally, it seems that the space on the Avenue Henri Hollevoet side around the service staircase (2) was used as the garage and accommodation for the chauffeur. On the other side of the building, the rooms that could also be accessed through the front door at 88 Boulevard du Jubil\u00e9 (3) were the offices used by the Rupel Industrial Company, a dining room and a kitchen. <\/p>\n
On the first floor, for which no complete plan has survived, a large central landing leads to a sitting room and a dining room, on the corner and the Boulevard du Jubil\u00e9 side.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/binnenhuis-liggend.jpg” title_text=”Plan2″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Plan 2<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_6_font=”Cormorant||on||||||” header_6_text_color=”#B59858″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
On the Avenue Henri Hollevoet side, accessed by the service staircase (2), is a large kitchen, where the staff probably ate their meals. Finally, on the Boulevard du Jubil\u00e9 side, are the bedrooms, a bathroom, a study, a sewing room and a guest bedroom (4, plan 2). <\/p>\n
The second floor (plan 2), within the mansard attic was given over almost entirely to a self-contained apartment, accessed from the front door at 88 Boulevard du Jubil\u00e9 (3). However, the space over the ground-floor garage and the first-floor kitchen was separated from this apartment and was an extension of the main apartment on the first floor, accessed via the service staircase (2). It contains a maid\u2019s bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe, probably for the owners\u2019 clothes, and a staff toilet. <\/p>\n
Finally, the basement plan (5, plan 2) shows us that the spaces were shared between a coal cellar and storage cellars for the Rupel Industrial Company and the tenant of the second-floor apartment. The Rupel company name on the plan is evidence that Joachim Riez had this prestigious home built for himself when he was preparing to assume his new position as managing director of the renamed company. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||on||||||” text_text_color=”#B59858″ custom_margin=”5%||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
* Urban Planning Archive of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean council 14796.
<\/em>** Urban Planning Archive of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean council 15356.<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FEFDEF” header_3_text_color=”#FEFDEF” header_6_font=”Cormorant||on||||||” header_6_text_color=”#FEFDEF” background_color=”#B59858″ custom_padding=”5%|5%|5%|5%|true|true” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” admin_label=”Plan 1″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Plan 1.<\/h3>\n
Ground-floor plan of the building constructed on the corner of Boulevard du Jubil\u00e9 and Avenue Henri Hollevoet, December 1926. Urban Planning Archive of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean council 14796. <\/p>\n
1. Central hall and main staircase.
2. Service entrance and staircase.
3. Entrance to the offices of the Rupel Industrial Company and staircase leading to second-floor apartment.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FEFDEF” header_3_text_color=”#FEFDEF” header_6_font=”Cormorant||on||||||” header_6_text_color=”#FEFDEF” background_color=”#B59858″ custom_padding=”5%|5%|5%|5%|true|true” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” admin_label=”Plan 2″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Plan 2.<\/h3>\n
Plan of the second floor, submitted as part of the application for the second building permit, which made several changes to the first, 1927. Urban Planning Archive of Molenbeek-Saint- Jean council 15356. <\/p>\n
2. Service staircase and maid\u2019s bedroom.
3. Staircase leading to second-floor apartment.
4. Sewing room and guest bedroom on the first floor.
5. Plan of basement that mentions the Rupel Industrial Company.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE INTERIOR LAYOUT OF THE RIEZ BUILDINGPhoto top left:Radiator-cover grille in the entrance hall. Photo top right:Main entrance of the Riez building.The sumptuous interior decoration is evidence of Joachim Riez\u2019s status, a merchant who became a company director and finally an industrialist.* It appears that the decorative scheme was the fruit of a collaboration between […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-448","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/448","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=448"}],"version-history":[{"count":42,"href":"https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/448\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":761,"href":"https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/448\/revisions\/761"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotelriez.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=448"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}