Incoming

Windows from CBR Building by Constantin Brodzki and Marcel Lambrichs (ca. 1970) 

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01/2022 & 07/2025  

In the mid-1960s, most cement producers in Belgium merged to form the CBR Group (Cimenteries et Briqueteries Réunies). When the decision was made to build a headquarters for the new entity, one thing was certain: it would involve prefabricated concrete modules. This is when architect Constantin Brodski came into the picture. He was given carte blanche to experiment in one of the group's factories, producing and assembling different prefab modules – essentially full-scale prototyping.

This preliminary work led, a few years later, to the construction of the famous building in Watermaal-Bosvoorde. Designed in collaboration with Marcel Lambrichs and built between 1967 and 1970, it features a unique façade system composed of organically shaped white concrete elements with rounded gold-coloured windows. During prefabrication, the double-glazed window panes were mounted directly in the façade's concrete modules, with no window frames in between. It goes without saying that these windows are not designed to be opened. This made it necessary to install a complete air conditioning system – the first of its kind in Belgium. The 'Stopray' glass with the special golden reflective coating was manufactured by Glaverbel.

In 2018, concerns were raised about the CBR group's ongoing transformation works to the building's interior, which threatened the sophisticated design by Constantin Brodski, as well as custom-made furniture by Jules Wabbes and Florence Knoll. A coalition of architects and academics campaigned for the building's integrity to be preserved. As a result, the works were halted and the building was added to the Brussels Region's preservation list. The subsequent renovation works were more gentle on Brodski’s work.

Considering they are over 55 years old, the original oval-shaped windows are still doing exceptionally well. However, every now and then, some windows are replaced with new ones. We reclaimed a batch like this in 2022, and now we have the great honour of welcoming another one!