Built in 1733 and listed since June 12, 2003 for its historical and aesthetic value, the house located at 16 Quai aux Briques in Brussels has recently undergone a complete restoration of its facade, carried out under the supervision of the Directorate of Cultural Heritage. The work was carried out with constant attention to respecting the heritage character of the building.
In accordance with old photographic evidence and prior historical studies, several original elements were restored or faithfully reproduced, including the front door, exposed stonework, cast-iron tie rod covers, the date inscription on the facade, and the window sills.
The roof also regained its original appearance, with the restoration of the dormer window and the installation of natural slate cladding, contributing to the over all architectural coherence.
The visible deformation of the right-hand bay on the first floor, caused by historic settlement of the party wall, was deliberately preserved, in line with efforts to maintain the building’s structural and historical integrity.
Although not original, the window frames on the upper floor were carefully replaced, faithfully reproducing characteristic details such as arched transoms, roundmullions, and glazing bars, in order to restore aesthetic consistency with the building's historic state. The sash-windowed commercial storefront, though added later, was preserved and restored for its historical value, as were all the wooden joineries.
Guided by the results of the stratigraphic study, limewash finishes and wooden joinery were restored to their historical colors.
