Cobra House – from dream to sophisticated meeting place

We all know the appeal that certain buildings can have on us. Whether it are the surroundings, special appearances or architectural elements that make an impact, for many people a building is more than just a place to live or work. This is no different for Maxime Verhulst.

As CEO, he fully stands behind every new build and renovation that bears his company’s name, but there is one building in particular that has attracted him for decades. ‘I regularly cycle through the city, and time and again I was charmed by the beautiful façade and grandeur of the presbytery on the Markgravenlei,’ says Maxime enthusiastically.

When the building was put up for sale, Maxime made it his mission to restore it to its former glory and turn it into a place where people can come together and enjoy themselves in beautiful surroundings. After submitting an extensive file, including pen drawing, the Church Council approved the plans and the craftsmen of Vlassak-Verhulst were set to work to turn this building into a unique meeting place.

Vlassak-Verhulst undertook the restoration and extension with great love and dedication, taking into account the building’s many historical features. ‘It was an exceptional project, as it concerns a listed monument. This entails restrictions, but also offers us, as a construction company, the opportunity to apply our craftsmanship, aesthetics and continuous innovation. “The result is impressive, and we are extremely proud to be part of this fantastic project,” Maxime continues.

The interior design and styling of the restaurant was created by Bram Bosschaert of gestalt architects in close collaboration with the Cobra team, while Siegbert van Reeth carefully transformed the 1,000 m² garden into a dreamy space with room for a wild English garden and a self-sufficient vegetable garden.

Cobra House – a place where aesthetics and design come together

Cobra House is a new initiative from the team behind the Cobra restaurant on the Leopoldplaats in Antwerp. The team’s ambition with Cobra House is to take the next step in their brand development, with the aim of creating not just a restaurant, but an establishment where hospitality, art, inspiration and catering come together.

Both Vlassak-Verhulst and Cobra House attach great importance to exceptional experiences and high-quality finishes. This quickly led to a fruitful collaboration between the two companies. “We are therefore very proud to be part of this community and hope to welcome many business relations to this exceptional place,” adds Maxime.

Laurel – Luxury apartments in Terhulpen

New contruction project

A unique location, a lush setting, next level service and a slow living touch. Our most recent new construction project ‘Laurel’ is an experience, an oasis of peace and luxury. The 12 exclusive luxury apartments in the municipality of La Hulpe are the proud result of a collaboration with architect Marc Corbiau.

""A place where beauty hides. Where you connect. An invitation to slow down and escape. A warm nest in nature. A home. Step into a realm of calm.""

When visions meet: Vlassak-Verhulst X Marc Corbiau

Inspired by modernist architects such as Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe, Corbiau has a distinctive signature. Through a delicate interplay of light and lines, the constructions interact naturally with their environment.

And that is exactly what we were looking for for the realisation of Laurel. From the waters of Le Grand Etang to the lush surroundings that surround the two buildings, the environment is an integral part of the story, enhancing the experience of luxury living. Simplicity in the design and natural, sustainable materials, textures and colors only reinforce our shared vision and natural beauty.

12 luxury apartments for sale

Laurel houses 12 luxurious new-build apartments. Go for a hidden gem on the ground floor with direct access to the garden, for spectacular views on the first two floors or take your dreams to the next level in one of our penthouses.

Renovation historical buildings: Windmill Hoeke-Damme restored in its glory by Vlassak-Verhulst

From story to restoring

What was initially a technique by his parents to keep their children calm in the back seat, is today the beginning of a beautiful story. “As we got older, we saw that the mill was decaying. We couldn’t let that happen. So we looked for the owner and proposed our project.”

Since 2012, the mill has been restored to its former glory and is running again. This doens’t only contribute to the landscape, but also to the local culture and traditional miller craftsmanship. Today you can get fresh flour again from Lucas De Clerq.

"When we drove to Knokke as children, the first of us who saw the Hoeke mill got an ice cream. There we were, staring at the horizon for 60 km until we got there. - Maxime Verhulst, Manager Vlassak-Verhulst"

Craftmanship and innovation

A piece of heritage and a strong example of craftsmanship. And above all, a passion project that reflects Vlassak-Verhulst’s vision. Every renovation balances between authentic craftsmanship and innovation, between past and present, and between outside and inside.

Memories from your childhood, a glorious history… Every home has a story. Together with you, Vlassak-Verhulst writes a new chapter respecting  the previous chapter.

"When renovating historic buildings, the trick is to respect the building and its rich history. Authenticity is always key. - Maxime Verhulst"