Henry van de Velde's La Nouvelle Maison

Discover how an iconic modernist home was brought back to life through an ambitious restoration grounded in historical research and architectural integrity.

This beautifully produced volume tells the story of La Nouvelle Maison, the fourth and final home of the Belgian architect Henry van de Velde, which he designed for himself and his family in Tervuren, Belgium. Built in 1928 and recently restored to exacting standards, the residence embodies van de Velde's mature vision of rational, human-centered design. Drawing on archival materials, newly commissioned photography, and the insights of leading experts, the book reveals the building's architectural significance as a paragon of European modernism. It also discusses the challenges of returning the home to its original form, including sourcing historically accurate materials, conserving original joinery and finishes, and adapting the building to meet modern standards without compromising van de Velde's holistic vision. Essays by Guido Stegen and Thomas Föhl explore the building's layout, materials, furnishings, and spatial philosophy, along with its relationship to the surrounding gardenconceived as an integral part of the architecture. Impeccably produced and extensively illustrated, this work is essential reading for anyone interested in early modern architecture or the thoughtful and exacting restoration of historic buildings.

This book provides detailed insights into the restoration of a building to the highest level and standards.

Autorentext
Thomas Föhl is a German art historian, cultural manager, and author. He is a recognised expert on the work of Henry van de Velde and editor of the first three volumes of van de Velde's catalogue raisonné. Föhl is the author of numerous essays, books, and catalogues on the history of architecture and design, painting, graphic art, and book art of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.