Discover Benelux & France, Issue 18, June 2015

Page 33

5_DiscoverBenelux_Issue18_June_2015_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 26/05/2015 16:24 Page 33

Discover Benelux & France | Special Theme | Architecture and Urbanism

low small-unit structures from the 1970s into open and light floor plans that meet the demands of today’s family concepts.” This process adds double value to the projects. After the conversion, they offer both contemporary convenience and period charm.

Responsibility taken seriously If there is something the three ladies can’t stand it’s a waste of resources. “We rate the responsibility that every architect has towards the environment very high,” they say. “Therefore, we always recommend to our clients that they use regional materials, for example local wood instead of wood from the tropics, and natural insulating materials instead of synthetics. Energy concepts should be as individual as the houses themselves, but we need to try and handle energy resources consciously at all times.”

So with their impressive portfolio, is there anything the bel.architecture practice still dreams of doing? “Definitely,” say Bollendorff and Friedrich. “The conversion of an old, vacant industry building with lots of brick and huge glass panels, for example a printing plant, a mill or a workshop, would be a lot of fun for us. But this wish is a ‘classic’ among architects. The renovation of a historical farm or a winemaker’s house would be a great challenge, too. Finally, we dream about the realisation of a hotel. This is because we love to travel ourselves.”

each other. In the cities of the south you still find grand buildings from the industrial age made from red brick. In the rest of the country there are countless former distilleries, factories, mills or even more simple buildings such as garages, barns and stables with features so delicate that they become dream objects for many architects. Just come along and see for yourself. Luxembourg is always worth a visit!” www.bel.lu www.facebook.com/bel.architecture

Their working place of Luxembourg, however, offers many beautiful sights and architectonic inspirations too. The ladies agree: “Every region has its own architectural charm. In the Moselle river region, there are beautiful winemaker villages with buildings that are almost interwoven with

Issue 18 | June 2015 | 33


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