Studio Lionel Jadot, in partnership with Jam Hotels, has embarked on a remarkable endeavor, transforming a venerable military barracks in Ghent, Belgium, into a 108-room hotel. This innovative project stands as a testament to sustainable architectural practices, artfully integrating the structure's rich history, embracing its inherent textures, and employing reclaimed materials. Through their distinctive 'Realistic Circle' design philosophy, the team collaborated with more than 40 local artisans, cultivating a vibrant, evolving environment that honors traditional craftsmanship while significantly mitigating environmental impact. The hotel champions the principles of adaptive reuse, seamlessly blending historical reverence with a modern, workshop-inspired aesthetic.
Reimagining History: Ghent's Barracks Transformed into a Sustainable Boutique Hotel
In the vibrant Arts Quarter of Ghent, Belgium, a significant transformation has taken place. The former Leopold Barracks, a distinguished early 20th-century military edifice, has been given a new lease on life as a unique hotel. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Studio Lionel Jadot and Jam Hotels, marks a pivotal moment in sustainable design and adaptive reuse. Previously, the gatehouse of the barracks complex housed military offices, but now, it boasts 108 meticulously designed guest rooms, each reflecting a profound respect for the building's storied past and a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Brussels-based architectural firm B2Ai meticulously handled the structural restoration of the barracks. Their work preserved the building's robust walls, its romantically styled battlements, distinct corner towers, and the original embrasures, ensuring the historical integrity of the structure remained intact. Studio Lionel Jadot, renowned for its 'Realistic Circle' system, applied this methodology to the project. This innovative approach champions the reuse of existing materials and fosters collaborations with local artisans to develop design solutions deeply rooted in the building's context. Over 40 designers, craftspeople, and artists, all operating within a 50-kilometer radius of the hotel, contributed their expertise to shape the interiors, infusing the space with local talent and character.
Louise Michiels, a partner and designer on the project, articulated the core vision: to fashion an evolving space that evokes the dynamic atmosphere of an artist's workshop. She emphasized the team's dedication to honoring the Leopold Barracks' extensive timeline, seeking to introduce new functionalities while making minimal alterations. Instead of concealing or rectifying the existing surfaces, the design allowed the building's historical layers to remain visible, acknowledging that "the passage of time was already written in the walls." This philosophy guided the team to work with the existing narrative rather than attempting to erase it.
The initial phase of the renovation involved carefully stripping away later additions, such as false ceilings and cladding materials, installed during the building's conversion to military offices. This deconstruction revealed the original structure, along with intricate layers of paint, plaster, and brick, which were deliberately preserved to underscore the building's rich history. Materials salvaged during this phase were ingeniously repurposed throughout the hotel. For instance, old roof timber found new life as flooring and cladding for the hotel's bar. Jadot eloquently described the building itself as a "gisement de matériaux délaissé" – a deposit of abandoned materials awaiting reactivation rather than replacement, an embodiment of the Realistic Circle philosophy.
The project fostered extensive collaboration with local designers. Duplex Studio crafted elegant wooden furniture for the guest rooms and public areas. OpenStructures, drawing inspiration from the concept of a constantly evolving atelier, devised a modular and reconfigurable bed system, allowing for future disassembly and alternative uses. Local designer Pierre Emmanuel Vandeputte contributed furniture made from reclaimed boards sourced from an old Ghent school, while Rotor Deconstruction provided industrial shelving that was integrated throughout the hotel.
The redesigned interior aims to create a "porous" feel, featuring a new thoroughfare that traverses the building, providing access to various communal spaces. The reception area, where guests are first welcomed, showcases a counter crafted from old storage racks, complemented by Duplex Studio stools and illuminated by lamps from designer Cristina Gusano. The shelving units in this space display objects from local artists' workshops, including leftover materials, stone fragments, and fabric remnants, collectively reinforcing the hotel's communal and creative energy. Other notable spaces include the Kaiju restaurant, furnished by Gilbard Collective, and adorned with mycelium lampshades by Permafunghi. Jadot highlighted that the collaborative process with local creatives, operating in a workshop-like environment, yielded an outcome that is both eclectic and deeply authentic. He noted that genuine collaboration generates a "snowball effect," where each interaction leads to further inspiration and every contribution enriches the overall design.
Lionel Jadot’s multidisciplinary studio, established after his founding of Zaventem Ateliers – a vibrant workspace in a repurposed paper factory near Brussels housing 26 independent studios – is deeply committed to reimagining spaces and objects through the lens of existing resources. His previous work includes coordinating a team of 52 designers and makers to transform a 1960s office block in Brussels into another distinctive hotel, further solidifying his reputation as a pioneer in adaptive reuse and sustainable design.
This impressive hotel in Ghent serves as a powerful example of how historical structures can be revitalized with a contemporary, sustainable vision. It demonstrates that by respecting the past and collaborating with local talent, we can create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally conscious and deeply connected to their communities. The emphasis on reclaimed materials and local craftsmanship not only reduces waste but also infuses the hotel with a unique character and a story that resonates with its guests. It's a reminder that true innovation often lies in looking at what already exists with fresh eyes and a creative spirit.