Timeless Soul: Where History Meets Modernity

Timeless Soul: Where History Meets Modernity — IADA 2025 award

Timeless Soul: Where History Meets Modernity received Gold Winner recognition at the International Architecture & Design Awards 2025 in Kitchen & Dining Room Design. Project status, design team and credits are listed alongside the presentation.

About the project

Does a House Have a Soul?
This question never explicitly arose during the creation of this project, but the answer is undoubtedly yes. A house breathes, tells a story, and holds its history—especially one built in 1912.
The guiding principle of this design was respect for the home's history, blended with a touch of modern dynamism. The goal was to harmonize the old and the new, creating an inviting space for a family with five children.

Inspiration and Approach
The starting point for this design was the house’s architecture and the natural light streaming through its large windows—a precious commodity during Belgium’s rainy days.
The layout emphasizes openness, connecting the living room, music salon, kitchen, and dining area. Each zone is anchored visually and spatially by its central chandelier, which maintains the balance of the composition and subtly lowers the perception of ceiling height. The chandeliers and fireplaces are original features from the time the house was built, preserving its authenticity.

Interior Highlights
Music Salon.The grand piano is the heart of the shared space and the first element you see upon entering. It reflects the personality of the homeowners, all of whom are passionate about music.

Living Room. The soft-seating area is designed for family movie nights, with a modular sofa that can adapt to different arrangements, offering flexibility for family gatherings. The color palette features a modern take on classical ornamentation, with vibrant yellow as an accent, flowing seamlessly into adjacent rooms. A contemporary floor lamp juxtaposes an antique chandelier, emphasizing the interplay between old and new.

Dining Area. The table’s shape echoes the geometry of the space, with a textured wood surface that warms the predominantly monochromatic palette. Classic-shaped chairs, crafted from modern materials, further illustrate the dialogue between past and present. The transparent table base and chairs keep the room light and airy, directing attention to the chandelier and its captivating reflections.

Entrance Hall. The rhythmic pattern of classical black-and-white checkerboard tiles introduces a dynamic energy that continues throughout the ground floor. Yellow accents bring an element of playfulness, infusing the space with life.

Art and Personality
Art plays a pivotal role in the interior, drawing the eye and adding depth to the design. A common thread of graphic elements and chess motifs unites the collection, including a Maurits Cornelis Escher piece above the fireplace—part of the homeowner’s private collection.

A Harmony of Eras
This project embodies the marriage of old and new, respecting the history of the home while embracing contemporary needs. It creates a space where a large family can come together while also finding corners for individual interests.

EDStudio

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