ARGUS HOTEL

Scope

In 2023, HappyCulture Hotels selected our proposal for their Argus Hotel, located in the heart of Brussels, in the vibrant Louise area just steps away from Avenue de la Toison d’Or.

The mission extends to a full renovation of the 43 rooms, along with the ground-floor common areas including the lounge, reception, and cafeteria. Beginning with a test room now ready to experience, the works are set to be completed next year.

Design approach – un coup d’artisan

From textile weaving to enameling, and from the delicate ironwork of Maison Delvaux to other fine crafts, Brussels embodies the expertise of refined, small-scale craftsmanship. This is precisely this level of expression we sought to capture when shaping our design approach for the hotel one that we considered essential to awaken and engage with the sensitivity of its guests.

Our room revamp involved a complete reassessment of the finishes, paired with a rational optimization of space and integration of minimalist bespoke furniture, designed not to overwhelm the space or stand out, but to allow the rooms to breathe.

Different scenarios were conceived for the rooms, adapted to their various configurations and sizes, yet guided by the same core principles:

- Intelligent use of space
- Elegant functionality
- Unique character for each room, combined with...
- ... Harmonious coherence across the entire hotel

Implementation & Materiality

The hotel’s proximity to Avenue de la Toison d’Or, renowned for its luxury boutiques, art galleries, and cultural venues anchors it within a context of exclusivity and craftsmanship. Our ambition was to create an ambiance that evokes timeless elegance, where refinement is revealed in the details resonating with the local heritage.

“Our heritage is the foundation upon which Brussels’ craftsmanship thrives, shaping our identity as a global hub of creativity and innovation.”
Pierre Marcolini

The material palette was conceived as a natural and timeless composition of tones for the rooms, complemented by color accents in the bathrooms.
Warmth and intimacy are instilled through wooden flooring, metal accents, earthy textiles, and ambient lighting, all contributing to a homelike atmosphere for guests. In contrast, the bathrooms feature deep, saturated hues, designed to create an enveloping and sensorial experience.

The existing interior staircase served as inspiration, its flowing, organic movement reinterpreted, echoing softly through the design of certain room features.

Project team

Dimana Sofianska
Nina Korkach
Daryna Lysytska

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