Hôtel José Ciamberlani, Art Nouveau manor house in Ixelles, Belgium
The Hôtel José Ciamberlani is a three-story Art Nouveau residence with sgraffito designs etched into its facade, where natural forms merge with architectural details. The building integrates organic patterns throughout its structure, blending decorative and functional elements.
Architect Paul Hankar designed this residence in 1897 during the emergence of Art Nouveau as a major force in Brussels architecture. The building represented a shift away from historical revival styles toward modern, nature-inspired design approaches.
The building reflects how wealthy Brussels residents at the end of the 19th century shaped their homes with artistic vision and personal storytelling through decoration. The carved images on the facade reveal the tastes and interests of the family who inhabited the space.
The building is located in Ixelles, surrounded by other Art Nouveau structures that make walking through the neighborhood rewarding. Visit during daylight hours to see the facade details clearly, as the etched patterns are most visible in good light.
The facade features sgraffito murals created through a specialized technique where tinted plaster layers are applied and then scratched away to reveal patterns beneath. This labor-intensive method allowed skilled artisans to create intricate designs that distinguish this house from its neighbors.
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