Housed within a former Augustinian monastery in the heart of Antwerp is the AUGust hotel, a serene urban haven for travelers looking for an authentic stay in the city.

Paying homage to the history of the neoclassical structure which served as a monastery and hospital for wounded soldiers back in the day, the restored and redeveloped complex retains much of its original structure and charm. Designed and restored by local architect Vincent Van Duysen, the main objective is to respect the historical DNA of the site and its surroundings. This not only adheres to the general principles governing the redevelopment of listed heritage buildings in the area but also creates an authentic, cultural experience for travelers looking to learn more about the country’s rich history.

Through the thoughtful integration of contemporary elements, the design team transformed the hotel into a splendid and serene stay catering to the needs of modern travelers today. The project consists of three gardens and five public buildings. The main chapel and public entrance have been converted into an airy lounge where guests can sit back and relax with a hand-crafted cocktail from the cocktail bar located within the same space. Modern, black awnings at the hotel entrance along with newly planted greenery reflect the more contemporary ‘identity’ of the project. Much like the Art Deco canopies in the neighbouring Cogels-Osylei, the modern entrance signifies the new urban entity in Antwerp.

A minimalistic interior complements the existing features, putting a spotlight on the architectural components of the building. By reintegrating original elements and reproducing known items that may have been damaged or diminished, the space feels whole again. Black components have been thoughtfully introduced into the interior to give a clear distinction between the old and new, the classic and contemporary. This approach has been consistently applied to every aspect of the project, bringing a refreshing touch to the classical feel.

Tucked inside the winter garden is the hotel restaurant featuring a glass roof and red brick walls. The rustic interior with a high ceiling makes for a welcoming space, whether you are looking to enjoy a formal evening over a multiple-course dinner, or a casual cup of tea in the afternoon with friends. Carefully restored decorative doors along with hand-painted tiles and white marble are again, paired with design details featuring the hotel’s signature black color to add contrast and balance. The design team also paid close attention to the fixtures and fittings throughout the space, where bespoke creations were made to complement the 19th-century structure. Custom light fixtures were created by Flos and furniture by Vincent Van Duysen for Molteni&C, with every piece specifically developed for the project.

After savoring a fine meal in the rustic-chic restaurant, enjoying a drink at the bar in the chapel lounge, and exploring the maze-like gardens, hotel guests can spend the night in one of the hotel’s 44 guest rooms. Much like going upstairs into the bedrooms of their home, guests can experience the same level of comfort and intimacy within the boutique hotel rooms in AUGust. The elegant rooms are intentionally kept simple, making it a tranquil space with minimal distractions for guests to rest and recharge.

The gardens are interwoven amongst the architecture, expertly designed by Martin Wirtz. A diverse collection of greeneries come together to create a lush oasis, making each trip between buildings a scenic stroll. The main walled-garden is built with an organically structured design where irregular volumes of clipped hedges, shrubs, trees, and perennials create an interesting composition. A more secluded ‘secret garden’ defines the theme of the third garden, where it contains a natural swimming pond gated by a row of crisply clipped evergreen oaks. Here, AUGust spa users can soak in the pool and enjoy this outdoor oasis in private.

For first time visitors to Antwerp, a stay at AUGust provides insight into the city’s history through its gracefully restored architecture. After all, when will you ever have the opportunity to stay in a restored former 19th-century Augustinian monastery?

Project Details

Project Name: AUGust Hotel

Architect and Interior Design: Vincent Van Duysen

Photography Courtesy of Vincent Van Duysen Studio