The Palazzo is part of a cohesive city block consisting of five large new buildings. Located in a prominent corner of Antwerp’s old port, each building asserts its presence at the appropriate scale, contributing to a powerful urban landscape without overshadowing its neighbors. Designed in collaboration with Sergison Bates Architects and Bulk Architecten, the Palazzo plays a crucial role in this architectural dialogue.
This stately residential building anchors the junction between the Kattendijk dock and Londenstraat, embracing the language of the urban boulevard with its monumental presence. The western corner is distinguished by a chamfered edge that marks the shift in the Londenstraat axis. The eastern corner connects with the Cadix neighborhood, forming a harmonious link between these urban elements.
The building’s façade is a rhythmic, undulating composition that emphasizes stratification and monumental order. This layered design not only defines the building’s grandeur but also integrates large indoor terraces that add a touch of domesticity and dynamism to the otherwise imposing volume. The façade’s depth creates a visual language that resonates with the robust character of the surrounding warehouses and sturdy houses.
On the ground floor, flexible commercial spaces create a lively streetscape. A central passage connects the inner courtyard to Londenstraat, with glazed facades shielding the courtyard from noise while inviting views inward. The building opens up through two symmetrically positioned entrances, each leading to nine apartments per floor, totaling 54 apartments across six floors. The unique corner solutions stand as a testament to sophisticated urban living and offer a mosaic of spacious apartments and double aspect houses.