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Article from issue 7/2000 »Refurbishment«

Tower House in Brasschaat

documentation p. 1224 - 1227
Architect Crepain, Jo | Structural Engineer Coppieters, Werner |

Drafts
Plans 1:250
Sectional details 1:20
Sections 1:250
Site plan 1:1000

Erected near Antwerp at the beginning of the 20th century, this water tower was one of the first to be built in concrete. It was taken out of service in 1937 and subsequently fell into a state of dilapidation. It consists of a
4-metre-high cylindrical water tank raised on four 23-metre-high columns, with three square intermediate platforms 4 ? 4 m in size. At the base is a plinth structure that originally contained filter plant and a reservoir. The plinth and tower have now been completely refurbished and converted into a house. The kitchen is situated on the ground floor, with an intermediate level inserted above this to accommodate cupboard space and a large bath-room. The living room at the other end has a
5-metre-high window overlooking the park landscape. The bedroom is situated in the tower at first floor level, from where there is access to the roof terrace. On the other levels are a study, a guest room and a conservatory. The tower has been enclosed in glazed walls, consisting of U-section glass elements on three sides and a clear-glass facade to the south. A narrow steel staircase was inserted on the north side, with flaps at floor level to close off access. The water cylinder itself has not yet been used, but it remains accessible.
The visible concrete structure of the tower is complemented by elements in steel and glassin a way that has allowed the original character to be retained.