Boris & Maurice: architecture between memory and urban transformation

In Ghent, the conversion of a fruit shop and an adjacent warehouse gives life to an urban microcosm: residences, shared terrace, and bistro intertwine in a project that combines historical identity and contemporary language.

A new urban tale between fullness and emptiness

In the heart of Ghent, at the intersection of a lively urban artery, an intervention by FELT Architecture & Design takes shape, redefining the concept of urban regeneration. A former fruit shop and the adjacent warehouse are transformed into a hybrid system that accommodates residential and dining spaces, giving life to an intimate and dynamic collective space.
The project sensitively integrates into the existing fabric, maintaining a constant dialogue with the preexistence and reinterpreting local typological characteristics. Behind a white brick pediment, almost archetypal, lies a complex organism that reveals its richness only once crossed.

The house: verticality, light, and spatial continuity

The main residence is designed as a compact space yet surprisingly airy, where the double height of the living area becomes the heart of the project. Large glass surfaces frame green views, enhancing the perception of space and connecting the interior with the exterior.
A spiral staircase smoothly connects the levels, emphasizing the verticality and visual continuity. On the ground floor, a space facing the street lends itself to flexible uses — a study or a bedroom — while the upper floor accommodates two bedrooms separated by a central bathroom. A clear organization that reflects a functional yet refined approach to contemporary architectural projects.

The terrace: shared heart and memory of the place

The cornerstone of the intervention is the irregular terrace, conceived as a space of connection between different functions. This place suspended between public and private becomes an urban oasis that preserves the memory of the site, reinterpreting it in a contemporary key.
The surfaces in clay clinker contribute to creating a calm and coherent visual atmosphere, while the variety of facades interacts with the surrounding context. The terrace is not just an open space, but an architectural device that builds relationships.

The bistro: transparency, material, and urban life

On the street front, a vibrant blue steel element decisively marks the new identity of the complex, distinguishing it from the adjacent historic buildings. Behind this partially perforated skin lies the entrance to the bistro and the residence above.
The double-opening doors allow for a seamless continuity between interior and exterior, transforming the terrace into an extension of the public space. Inside, the bistro retains the original charm of the fruit shop: large full-height windows flood the space with natural light, while in the evening they create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The bar counter becomes the visual and social focal point, accompanied by a steel cabinet that reveals the kitchen, turning the gastronomic experience into a shared spectacle.

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FELT Architecture & Design

Forelstraat 55b, B-9000 Ghent