Sanatorium de Borgoumont, Medical facility in Stoumont, Belgium
Sanatorium de Borgoumont is a sandstone structure in Stoumont with a curved south-facing facade and a central bell tower positioned on a wooded ridge. The 150-meter building shows the expansive design typical of health facilities from this era.
The building was designed by architect Émile Remouchamps and opened in 1903 to treat tuberculosis patients through rest and fresh air therapy. It emerged during an era when mountain air and outdoor exposure were thought to cure this common disease.
The metal fixtures mounted to walls with angled surfaces show how early 20th-century doctors thought about cleanliness and preventing disease. They reflect the belief that healing came from keeping spaces very clean and orderly.
The building sits at 414 meters elevation and is reached via a winding forest road. Getting there takes time due to the natural setting, so comfortable walking shoes are helpful for approaching the site.
The bell tower worked as a central ventilation system, distributing fresh air throughout all patient rooms. This clever design was a sophisticated solution for breathing problems before modern mechanical systems existed.
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