Hôtel Albert Ciamberlani, Art Nouveau mansion in Ixelles, Belgium
The Hôtel Albert Ciamberlani is an Art Nouveau residence in Ixelles that immediately catches the eye with its unconventional facade combining stone, metal, and glass. The structure displays diagonal lines and open supports that were completely unknown to residential design when it was built.
Belgian architect Paul Hankar designed the house in 1897 for painter Albert Ciamberlani during the rise of the Art Nouveau movement in Brussels. This project became a turning point, demonstrating how far residential design could push boundaries by experimenting with new materials and forms.
The building shows how artists and wealthy residents of that era chose to live, rejecting ornate decoration for modern design that was bold and unconventional. The exposed metal beams and geometric patterns represented a complete break from the traditional homes surrounding it.
The residence sits on a quiet residential street and is easy to view from outside, as the entire facade is visible from the road. Spending time examining the details is worthwhile, since the architectural features are not always obvious at first glance.
The front door is not positioned in the center of the facade but tucked to one side, completely reworking how the interior flows. This asymmetrical arrangement was highly unusual for private homes and shows how far the architect was willing to challenge conventional design.
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