ARCHITECT

Ontwerp- en architectenbureau Lecluyse
(Paul Lecluyse)

FACING BRICKS

Hand-Made Nature7 mix

PROCESSING

random bond, grey thinbed

A GREAT STORY

The St.Bernardus brewery is located in the peaceful rural setting of Watou. Besides the history of a family that is passionate about beer and the unique character of the beloved Abt 12 beer, the brewery holds another trump card, having recently invested in a new building with an experience shop and a unique rooftop bar. Architect Paul Lecluyse combined authenticity with contemporary elements in his design for the exterior. This vision was carried through to the interior which was created by interior architect Marie Lecluyse.

Architect Paul Lecluyse: “The building itself radiates individuality with confident dynamics. This fundamental characteristic arises from the existing rural and architectural stylistic elements for which the natural materials of brick and wood have been used. The volumes have solid foundations in the clay soil of West Flanders. An analogy can be drawn with the brewer’s belief in the heritage of the tradition and values of the authentic St.Bernardus craft beer.

The solid structures form the basis for the strong vision and unconditional belief in the future of the brewery. The realisation of a roof in a contemporary style, on top of a classically designed base building, symbolises the future of the Sint-Bernardus beer along with the craft and art of brewing. The materialisation of this vision for the future has been clearly developed in the ‘Bar Bernard’ rooftop bar where you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view over the hop fields.”

Ecological Nature7 facing bricks
Architect Paul Lecluyse: “When choosing the facing brick, the main deciding factors were the colour palette and the ecological format of the brick which had to provide a clear reference to a traditional image, reflecting the tradition of brewing beer.” A colourful combination of five bricks from the Nature7 range determines the architectural appeal of the brewery.

“This mix was used to realise a grand volume – brick by brick – as a symbolic value. This creates the feeling that it has always been there, as part of the rural setting, like a beacon in the landscape. The façades and the various buildings of the St.Bernardus brewery read like a dynamic story,” concludes Lecluyse.

GREAT BRANDS THINK ALIKE

Quality
The unique facing bricks and clay pavers from Steenbakkerij Vande Moortel have been used to create award-winning projects by leading designers worldwide. Every year, the beer brewed at St. Bernardus wins top titles at the World Beer Awards.

Authenticity
Pure authenticity is created by upholding traditions in both the manufacture of facing bricks and clay pavers and the brewing of beer.

Family
At the Vande Moortel brickworks and St.Bernardus, the next generation is already fully involved in the company, creating a long-term vision and continuity for both brands.

Photo below: Hans Depypere (CEO St.Bernardus), Peter Vande Moortel (CEO Brickworks Vande Moortel), An Koninckx (Mrs. Vande Moortel), Paul Lecluyse (architect)

Schets van de volledige site van St.Bernardus: