Ciamberlani House

The Ciamberlani House is a townhouse in Brussels that was built by Paul Hankar for the Italian artist Albert Ciamberlani in 1897. Hankar and Ciamberlani collaborated on the design and details of the house, and it is one of the major Art Nouveau buildings in Belgium. Architect Adrien Blomme renovated the house in 1927 resulting in aspects of both Art Nouveau and Art Deco in the interior. One of the most remarkable details about this building is the spectacular sgraffito on its facade. The facade combines elements of ironwork, bricks, and natural stones. Two large, semi-circular windows on the first floor allow sunlight to flood the rooms located in this section of the house. 
A row of six windows, which are separated by cast iron posts and flanked by small columns, illuminates the second floor. On the top level there is another sgraffito designed by Adolphe Crespin with a frieze of sunflowers and seven medallions themed around the Labors of Hercules. The building's design and the details of the facade are perfect examples of how the architect liked to contradict traditional building concepts and let his originality shine through. The exterior walls and the building's interior went through extensive restoration between 2004 and 2009 which reconciled the Art Nouveau style of Paul Hankar with the Art Deco style used by Adien Blomme in his 1927 renovation.

Practical Info

The Ciamberlani House is located at Rue Defacqz 48. Tours are available by appointment only.