Ensemble Baeckelmans, Protected architectural ensemble in Berchem, Belgium.
Ensemble Baeckelmans consists of two residential buildings on Waterloostraat featuring blue ceramic tiles and natural stone facades built in 1905. The three-story houses combine rusticated limestone on the ground floors with smooth white stone on upper levels and decorative balconies with curved wrought iron railings.
Joseph Baeckelmans designed these houses for his mother, continuing the architectural legacy of his father Frans Baeckelmans. The family was deeply rooted in Antwerp's architectural scene and shaped the region through their innovative designs during this period.
The ceramic tiles display floral patterns with white daisies and swans, reflecting the appreciation for nature that was fashionable during this period. These decorative elements reveal the artistic taste of the family who commissioned the house.
The best view of the facade can be enjoyed from the street, where you can comfortably observe the entire composition and fine ceramic details. Careful observation allows you to notice the differences in window arrangements between the two buildings despite their similar materials.
Despite their similar materials and proportions, the two houses feature different window arrangements, showing how Joseph Baeckelmans achieved variety within unity. This subtle variation within sameness makes the ensemble engaging and prevents monotonous repetition.
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