A five-star gem hidden behind monastery walls

The classic-looking cross handles of the Vaia fittings by Dornbracht were also used in the hotel's spa area.
Photos: Dornbracht
Antwerp,
home to Europe's second largest seaport and the world's most important centre
for the diamond trade. Just outside, hidden behind the walls of the Botanic
Gardens in time-honoured buildings, is a five-star jewel: The Hotel Botanic
Sanctuary Antwerp. The history of the building complex dates back to 1238, when
an infirmary was built at the gates of the city, with the later addition of a
monastery and a chapel.
In the
sixteenth century, the famous pharmacist Pieter Coudenberg established a
monastery garden there – thus laying the foundations for the Botanical Garden
that still exists today. For the Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp the buildings have
been restored. The challenge was to preserve the historic fabric of the
building and at the same time, conform to the highest technical and ecological
standards. What has emerged from this is a tranquil and extremely comfortable
retreat, where craftsmanship, innovation, ecology, and tradition, go hand in
hand. Fittings and shower solutions from Dornbracht, created by Sieger Design, contribute
their very own part to this in the bathrooms and spa area of the hotel.
When
designing the interiors of the hotel, only materials that reflect the special
spirits of the buildings were used: natural stone, warm wood, wrought iron
structures, and fine fabrics. An unassuming, yet cheerful colour palette underscores
the historic dimension of the location and takes up the green of the plants
that can be found everywhere. This creates a light and peaceful ambience that
ensures well-being and profound serenity.
Purist bathrooms in a peaceful ambience

The Vaia fittings in Brushed Dark Platinum contrast strikingly with the light-coloured walls in the bathrooms. They combine geometric and soft contours, while tapered rosettes create a smooth transition to the wall.
Fully in
keeping with the cloistered surroundings, the bathrooms of the comfortable
rooms have an understated design: the walls are plastered in plain white, while
the washstand and floor are made from anthracite-coloured, natural stone. Above
the white dish basins two Vaia fittings from Dornbracht have been installed in
the bathroom. Their classic, cross-handle look connects geometric and soft
contours, while tapered rosettes create a smooth transition to the wall. The
Brushed Dark Platinum finish again contrasts strikingly with the light-coloured
walls, yet has a soothing effect on the texture of the natural stone. In the
shower and on the rim of the bath more matching Dornbracht products can be
found.
In the spa
area, Vaia fittings also have been used in the changing rooms, that are
predominantly warm grey in colour. The touchfree version was chosen also in
Brushed Dark Platinum. Thus, the earthy tone of the finishes also accentuates
the understated interior there, and the colour is also precisely coordinated
with the large mirror and cylindrical pendant lamps. The same combination can
also be found in the massage rooms. By this, the Dornbracht fittings, with
their balanced design language that combines classic and contemporary style
elements, harmoniously augment the concept of the Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp:
bound by tradition, but firmly anchored in the present.