Brussels recently gained a five-star hotel that harmoniously combines historical grandeur and modern comfort: the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria at Koningsstraat 103. This realization is largely the work of Group Jansen. Thanks to our expertise in finishing and techniques, our integrated A-to-Z approach, and our collaboration with strong partners, we were able to realize a total project here that offers a unique experience. Embuild wrote an extensive article about this renovation. And we are, of course, happy to share that!
The Brussels hotel Astoria was built for the Brussels World’s Fair in 1910. After a rich history and extensive renovation, it reopened its doors in 2024. Sarai Bervoets, engineer-architect and CCO (Chief Commercial Officer) at Group Jansen, explains: “Ultimately, this hotel project is more of a new build than a restoration project. We realized this through the Temporary Partnership Jansen-Herpain. While Herpain focused on the structural work, we at Group Jansen took care of the finishing and techniques. But both partners collaborated from the beginning to the end of the project, thus completing the entire trajectory.”
Corinthia entrusted the design to MA² (Metzger et Associés Architecture), an architectural firm that has previously led prestigious new construction, renovation, and restoration projects, such as the restoration of the Villa Empain. For the interior design, Corinthia called on the G.A. Group from London. This group specializes in the design of luxury hotels.
Showpiece
The monumental facade front has been mainly preserved from the old hotel, as well as the ground floor with, among other things, the entrance hall and the ballroom. “Conserving that ballroom was all the more a showpiece because a wellness area and a swimming pool had to be built two floors below. We have also restored the ground floor to its former glory. We went in search of the original colors of the interior and brought them back to life. The 11-meter glass dome has also been completely rebuilt as it originally looked, including current standards in terms of waterproofing and insulation,” explains Sarai Bervoets.
The reconstruction of the hotel was accompanied by high-quality applications in the field of energy, sustainability, and techniques. “For example, the residual heat from the kitchens and the data room is reused to heat the rooms. We also paid special attention to acoustic comfort. Outside noise is dampened, and the ventilation and heating operate quietly. This has a positive impact on the well-being and health of both staff and guests,” says Sarai.
Excelling in Finishing & Techniques
Group Jansen worked on the hotel with Jansen Building Projects, Jansen Joinery, and Jansen Energy Solutions. “The strength of our group is precisely our unique integrated expertise in finishing and techniques. Therefore, we seek total projects where we can excel through an A-to-Z approach. Group Jansen’s slogan (‘places to be’) perfectly matches the design of hotels, where the focus on experience is even greater than before,” concludes Sarai Bervoets.