Spa Art Nouveau, 'My dream', the raw charm of cement

With this somber cemented facade and the overall aspect of an eclectic architectural style, the numerous art nouveau elements do not immediately stand out. We see them in the curved, beautifully 'sculpted' lines above window and door openings, but also in the leaf and flower motifs, the frieze under the cornice, and the wrought iron balustrades. Between the openings on the first floor, the initials B and D are engraved. These refer to the first owners: Borckmans - Deru.

A cement plaster layer was not always colored as we can see today in Spa with many white facades. The uncolored cement somewhat suggested the expensive natural stone.

This house was built in 1899 according to plans by local architect Émile Petit (1874-1956). In addition to his profession as a carpenter-contractor, Emile-Joseph Petit also held the position of professor at the drawing school in Spa ('l'Ecole de Dessin'). He taught courses in sciences, line drawing, projections and perspective, as well as technical practical courses for carpentry and masonry. He would end his career as foreman, responsible for the workers of the 'Traveaux' department of the city of Spa. Interestingly, the owner Borckmans had attended the courses at the drawing school and was the brother-in-law of Emile Petit. Petit likely assisted him with the rough construction, but it was probably the owner himself who designed the decoration. This might explain the rather hybrid character of the ornamentation.

Jan Rymenams