Architectural Cases

Belgian architectural practice Felt has completed a significant refurbishment of a mid-century residence in Ghent, Belgium. This project, known as 'Dani\u00ebl,' involved thoughtfully reconfiguring the 315-square-meter bungalow to better accommodate the dynamics of modern family life, all while meticulously preserving the distinctive rectilinear brickwork and overall aesthetic that define its mid-century heritage. The transformation is highlighted by the addition of a striking central 'compact tower,' which now houses a new entrance and a circulation core, notably clad in vibrant blue ceramic tiles. This innovative design solution addresses previous spatial inefficiencies, enhancing both functionality and visual appeal across the property. The intervention showcases Felt's ability to blend historical respect with contemporary architectural demands, making the home a seamless fusion of past and present.

Revitalizing Mid-Century Aesthetics and Functionality

The architectural firm Felt embarked on a transformative project in Ghent, Belgium, reimagining a 315-square-meter mid-century bungalow. Named 'Dani\u00ebl,' this renovation was conceived to upgrade the home for contemporary family life, carefully integrating modern conveniences without compromising the distinct rectilinear, white-painted brick structure that characterized its original mid-century charm. A pivotal aspect of this redesign involved addressing an previously awkward circulation hub at the property's core. By introducing a "compact tower" adorned with blue ceramic tiles, Felt successfully created a more fluid and inviting entry sequence and staircase, significantly improving the home's spatial dynamics and visual connectivity. This strategic addition not only enhanced the internal flow but also paid homage to the building's historical integrity, blending new elements seamlessly with existing features.

Felt's renovation of the 'Dani\u00ebl' bungalow centered on enhancing its livability while maintaining its inherent mid-century appeal. The studio's primary focus was the central "circulation knot" of the home's T-shaped plan, a previously constrained area where the single-story living space intersected with a split-level bedroom wing. To resolve this, a distinctive "compact tower" was meticulously crafted at the heart of the residence. This tower, enveloped in brilliant blue ceramic tiles, not only introduces an ochre-colored staircase and strategically placed high-level windows, but it also serves as a vertical anchor that draws natural light deep into the interior, illuminating what was once a rather obscure transition point. This architectural intervention transforms the central space into a clear, prominent node, enhancing the home's internal presence and creating a more welcoming approach from the street.

Innovative Spatial Reconfiguration and Material Harmony

The lower section of the Dani\u00ebl residence leverages its advantageous placement between two distinct garden areas. Expansive glass doors, framed by elegant rust-colored aluminum, provide direct access to a pair of patios, seamlessly connecting the interior with the outdoors. This thoughtful design integrates a large, open-plan area that comfortably accommodates living, dining, and kitchen functions, fostering an environment of continuous flow and natural light. Inside, a subtly toned cement floor extends this sense of openness, linking the indoor spaces with the adjacent patios. This material choice not only enhances the bright, airy feel of the relatively low-slung volume but is also complemented by cedar plank ceilings, which introduce a warm, natural texture, further blurring the lines between the interior and exterior environments and creating a harmonious living experience.

Within the adjacent split-level section of the Dani\u00ebl home, the lower floor is strategically dedicated to storage and utility areas, featuring a direct street-level entrance. This access point was optimized by repurposing a segment of the former driveway, which was unpaved and subsequently fitted with practical bicycle storage solutions. Moving to the upper level, the bedrooms showcase a serene and tactile design, characterized by timber-lined walls and tranquil green linoleum floors, evoking a calm atmosphere. The material selections throughout the interior reflect a contemporary interpretation of classic mid-century design principles. Externally, the original timber windows were replaced with rust-colored aluminum frames, echoing the existing material palette while providing enhanced modern performance and durability, ensuring a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing renovation.

Weathering steel remains a prominent material in architectural design, defying any predictions of its decline. A collection of projects completed in 2025 underscores its enduring appeal, showcasing its versatility across various applications, from industrial headquarters to residential structures and artistic installations. Its distinctive patinated finish and robust nature continue to captivate designers, offering both aesthetic depth and practical benefits.

One notable example is the EMIT Technologies headquarters in Wyoming, USA, designed by CLB Architects. This project involved the custom fabrication and on-site engineering of almost all the weathering steel cladding. The choice of material for this energy and manufacturing company's base, which transformed a former Kmart, speaks to its industrial heritage and durability. A perforated scrim layer of the same material provides shading while subtly revealing the internal activities, blending functionality with a unique visual texture.

Similarly, Neri&Hu's "The Yard" in Dalian, China, is an adaptive reuse project that transformed an old industrial complex into a vibrant creative hub. Corten steel, the original brand name for weathering steel, was extensively used as the primary surface material. This selection pays homage to the site's rich industrial past, allowing the building to age gracefully and integrate seamlessly with its surroundings while reflecting a sense of history.

Further demonstrating its robust qualities, weathering steel was chosen for the Nujiang River 72 Turns Canyon Scenic Area in China by Archermit. Its exceptional durability was crucial for this cantilevering viewpoint over the Nujiang Grand Canyon in Tibet, which experiences extreme weather. The material's rusty tones echo the rocky landscape, and its color holds cultural significance in Tibetan traditions. The structure features a reinforced glass floor, offering visitors a breathtaking view of the river 130 meters below, embodying both strength and an immersive experience.

For residential applications, Prospect Studio's Alta North Residence in Wyoming, USA, exemplifies weathering steel's popularity. Situated at the edge of a forest, the design sought to create a structure that was both visually striking and deeply connected to its environment. The steel was combined with concrete, reclaimed timber, and stone, alongside cedar-lined soffits, to achieve a harmonious blend of materials that respect the natural setting.

Balkrishna Doshi and Studio Sangath's Doshi Retreat in Germany represents the late Pritzker Architecture Prize-winner's final project. This contemplative structure, located on the Vitra Campus, uses weathering steel crafted from recycled materials. The choice reflects the material's ability to evolve in appearance with changing weather, imbuing the building with a sense of vitality and continuous transformation.

In Knoxville, Tennessee, USA, Sanders Pace Architecture utilized porous Corten steel panels for the Baker Creek Pavilion. Located in a park next to a mountain-biking track, the pavilion was designed to be sturdy yet minimally intrusive to the scenic views. The low-maintenance aspect of the material was a key factor, ensuring longevity and reducing upkeep requirements for the public space.

Paul Cocksedge's "What Nelson Sees" in Trafalgar Square, UK, incorporated weathering steel into an artistic installation for the London Design Festival. This sculpture, created to highlight Google's AI tools, featured metal tubes that functioned as viewing portals, projecting AI-generated films of London's past, present, and future from Admiral Horatio Nelson's perspective. The raw, industrial aesthetic of the steel provided a striking contrast to the advanced technology within and referenced Nelson's maritime legacy.

The Farrapona Geological Viewpoint in Spain, designed by Puerto & Sánchez Arquitectos, utilized weathering steel for its extreme resilience against harsh climatic conditions. Located in a high mountain pass with significant temperature fluctuations, the material's toughness was essential. The viewpoint was prefabricated in nine sections and assembled on-site, demonstrating the material's adaptability to complex construction logistics.

Faulkner Architects' "Red Rock" in the USA showcases weathering steel as a durable and aesthetically appropriate material for challenging desert environments. This large concrete house near Las Vegas features a weathering steel cantilever that withstands desert conditions and visually references the geology of the Las Vegas Valley and Red Rock Canyon. The material's inherent characteristics allowed the structure to integrate seamlessly with its rugged surroundings.

Finally, the Sawmill Treehouse in Australia, designed by Robbie Walker, is a smaller residential project that effectively uses weathering steel. This cabin on stilts, situated on a steep, densely forested site in Victoria, employs slatted weathering steel to protect against summer heat and conceal utilities, achieving a clean, sculptural appearance. This project highlights weathering steel's versatility in smaller-scale, environmentally conscious designs.

The numerous projects from 2025 demonstrate weathering steel's multifaceted appeal in contemporary architecture. Its durability, low maintenance, and ability to develop a unique patina make it suitable for diverse applications, from large-scale public installations to intimate residential spaces. Architects continue to value its aesthetic qualities and structural integrity, ensuring its enduring presence in innovative design across various global contexts.