The Garden of Eden is not a mythical place; it is simply located in Antwerp. Or almost. The renovated Augustinian monastery decorated by Vincent van Duysen in the former military hospital comes pretty close.
The military hospital site in Antwerp, a neoclassical monument where injured soldiers received care during the twentieth century, was completely restored several years ago. The result: a green pedestrian zone full of authentic houses and a chic restaurant in the chapel: The Jane. However, one of the most remarkable parts of the site is the Augustine monastery. This resting place for the nursing nuns was transformed in 2018 into a special haven of tranquillity by none other than Vincent van Duysen. The renowned architect-designer created a hotel, a bar, a restaurant and a wellness area with a heavenly garden.
Vincent van Duysen created a truly minimalist complete work of art. For example, not only did he design the architecture but also the outdoor furniture. The collection is called August and was created in collaboration with Serax. Every piece of the August furniture is perfectly in keeping with the resort’s atmosphere. “Furniture should never cry out for attention. It should become imperceptibly at one with its surroundings”, says Vincent van Duysen himself. The extensive outdoor collection is made of light aluminium and is particularly sober in shape and colour. Van Duysen chose black, sand colour and eucalyptus green.
The August collection fits seamlessly with Cena and Passe Partout, two pared-down crockery collections that Van Duysen previously designed for Serax. Would you like to bring tranquillity into your own home and garden? Both August, Cena and Passe Partout are available online available.
Images by Robert Rieger
