
Building/site
Location
Antwerp
Style
Neogothicism
Year of construction
1872
Original design
Joseph Schadde
Mission
Client
Handelsbeurs nv
Project team
ORIGIN Architecture & Engineering bv cvba, ELD partnership cvba
project.job info origin stability
ARCADE nv
Contractor
DENYS nv
The overall project consists of three historically valuable complexes. Each of them dates from a different period, but over time they have become intertwined. First of all, there is the Handelsbeurs, which dates from 1531. After a devastating fire in 1852, a new stock exchange was built according to the original model. The current neo-Gothic building, designed by Joseph Schadde, was completed in 1872. A second, smaller stock exchange was added to this first building in 1894: the Schippersbeurs. The Antwerp Exchange and Funds Exchange, which until then had been located in the Handelsbeurs, would move here. The plans have been designed by Emile Thielens and Royers. In 1920 this building has been expanded on the side of the Borzestraat by the Antwerp Building Master Van Averbeke. Stylistically, the Schippersbeurs is a continuation of the Handelsbeurs. The last complex, 'Hotel du Bois', consists of a 16th-century core to which 19th-century extensions were added on both sides. The central and oldest part has known a long history of different owners and was given its current rococo façade designed by Jan Pieter Van Baurscheit jr. around 1750. The façades of the adjoining neo-Rococo buildings were inspired by the façade of the Hotel-le-maître, creating a uniform architecture for the entire block. Together, these three buildings offer many valuable and unique elements: beautiful stucco ceilings, ornamented mantelpieces, parquet floors, stained-glass windows, etc.

In the quest for a new use for the Handelsbeurs, it is desirable to retain the building as a meeting place. The rehabilitation has three main functions: the large hall will be used as a semi-public covered area that can be used for events, the rooms on the first floor will be used for meetings and conferences, and the adjoining Schippersbeurs will be converted into a catering establishment.
The restoration will focus on restoring the neo-Gothic ensemble, restoring the interior finishes. Furthermore, new techniques and safety requirements will be integrated.
The Hotel du Bois will be redeveloped as a luxury hotel together with the adjacent non-protected buildings.








Team members





Contact us
Please do not hesitate to contact us. Someone from the Origin team will be happy to answer your questions.