- Interior
- Architecture & development
When the clients commissioned Vincent Van Duysen for the PN Penthouse, their vision was clear: a fresh, innovative approach to materials and colors expressed through the refined, contemporary design language of VVDA. Vincent and his team embraced this challenge, delving deeply into the role of color, not simply as decoration but as a vital element shaping the spatial experience.
Initially inspired by chromatic masters such as Luis Barragán and the geometric purity of De Stijl and Neoplasticism, the team ultimately chose to forgo overt ornamentation in favor of a modern spatial narrative. The design centers around an open floor plan organized around two technical cores and enriched by two newly integrated patios. These patios invite natural light and verdant greenery inside, fostering an atmosphere of calm and connection while framing panoramic views over the majestic River Schelde and the vibrant Antwerp cityscape.
Originally conceived as two separate apartments, the program evolved into a generous 365-square-meter single residence complemented by 160 square meters of outdoor terraces. The layout strikes a perfect balance between spatial efficiency and comfortable living, with the patios playing a starring role. The smaller front patio, graced by a tree, offers a serene retreat, while the larger, sheltered rear patio extends the living space outdoors, creating an intimate sanctuary shielded by an overhanging terrace and abundant plants that ensure privacy. 
'Materiality as a masterful balance of terrazzo, wood, and plaster creating a serene ambiance'
Upon entering the penthouse, the eye is immediately drawn to the front patio’s greenery and the river beyond—a natural dividing element that subtly separates the living and dining zones without sacrificing openness or flow. A modest tree at the patio’s center brings nature’s calm right into the heart of the home, visible also from the adjacent library, which serves as a tranquil reading nook bathed in daylight. 
The living room is flooded with natural light and anchored by a fireplace, while the kitchen, positioned beside the expansive rear patio, features warm wood accents and natural materials that seamlessly extend the interior outwards. The dining area, thoughtfully situated near the library, is a perfect backdrop for contemporary art, blending culture and comfort. The library itself is a cherished hub, linking the main living areas to the master suite and guest bedrooms, fostering a harmonious flow and sense of retreat. Materiality here is a masterclass in balance: terrazzo, wood, and plaster combine to create a serene, tactile environment. Custom-designed VVDA furniture complements iconic vintage pieces, resulting in a space that is both elegant and lived-in. 
PN Penthouse stands as a luminous beacon over Antwerp, a home that celebrates the symbiotic relationship between light and shade, interior and exterior, intimacy and openness. It is a testament to Vincent Van Duysen’s vision of architecture that feels simultaneously modern, natural, and deeply human.
Photography by Piet-Albert Goethals
Text by Elke Aerts