Created with a deep respect for its heritage, August is a modern-day sanctuary that consists of 5 different buildings, seamlessly blended together under the guidance of legendary Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen in his first-ever hotel project. Situated in a luscious green corner of the former Military Hospital site in Antwerp, it embodies the character of the area at its finest. The secluded gardens by Wirtz International Landscape Architects connect the different functions of the charming property while offering guests some much needed tranquillity in the city.

The strategy of Vincent Van Duysen Architects to turn this hidden gem and its gardens into August was to respect the historical DNA of the site and its surroundings, and to align it with the principles that are used for the general redevelopment of the other historical listed buildings – a careful restoration of its architectural neoclassical splendour in collaboration with Callebaut Architects and the addition of black metal contemporary architectural elements to upgrade to the new function and modern hospitality life. At August the eclectic creativity of the Flemish building styles throughout the centuries meets an understated soulful modernism, creating a perfect blend of both public and private space. August is a place to feel calm, comfortable and at home.



The interior is designed as a warm and timeless tribute to the dedicated convent lifestyle. Every step you take within August shows a meticulously thought-out aesthetic. Each element has been custom-designed to match the authentic heritage with a contemporary touch. The intricate designs of the original tile floors were restored and placed back in new-found glory. Large-scaled windows allow for an abundance of natural light, which stands in great contrast with the closed character of its former function. Almost everything you see in August's interior was custom designed by Van Duysen, in collaboration with Molteni, Flos and Serax, among others.

Food and drinks are served in specially designed August tableware. The 'Passe-partout' collection is designed by Vincent Van Duysen for Serax and includes glassware, porcelain tableware, cutlery and wooden objects. The past is reflected in many aspects of this collection. Glasses that are vaguely reminiscent of chalices, and carafes of different sizes that make any bottle on the table superfluous. With the porcelain tableware, countless visual effects can be created by stacking or by playing with the contrasting white and black exterior colours. The cutlery and wooden accessories also follow the blueprint Vincent Van Duysen had in mind for Passe-partout: no-nonsense, a tad nostalgic, while at the same time very contemporary.

WELLNESS

August wellness area invites guests to warm up in the sauna, hammam or on the hot stone. Cool down again with a fresh ice scrub, in the outdoor shower on the adjacent 'Cour Anglaise' or in the outdoor swimming pond.



SHOP

August on the go. In the heart of the former Military Hospital site, passers-by will bump straight into the August shop. As a part of its public character, August invites locals to enjoy their daily-changing menu, prepared by the August restaurant team. The menu offers fresh juices and soothing coffee, crunchy baguettes, a soup of the day and super fresh salads, to take away or to eat on its small terrace. Bread and pastry in collaboration with Domestic, an established bakery and grocery store by Julien and Sophie Burlat.



ROOMS & SUITES

The former convent encapsulates 44 rooms and suites, ranging between 16 and 41 square meters. The rooms are a warm homage to the dedicated cloister way of life, with the addition of all modern amenities. The en-suite bathrooms with walk-in shower -and some with stand-alone bathtub- are equipped with Bamford’s toiletries. Due to the original building structure almost no room is quite alike, each having their intrinsic personal touches, like a centuries-old wooden ceiling, an inviting balcony overlooking the former Military Hospital site, or unspoiled chapel or courtyard garden views.

In the interior colours refer to elements of the existing with its soft green wood, dark smoked oak or black and white to emphasise the contrast between the contemporary (black) and the classic (white). This attitude has been consciously applied all over the project and returns its classical feel now to the new public. The carefully restored mouldings and doors and hand painted tiles are undisputedly the protagonists of the classic interiors where the black elements refer to the new – a contrast that carefully brings contemporary life to this project.