Five highlights from our recent restoration projects

At Group Monument, we take pride in our craftsmanship, our passion for heritage, and the trust placed in us to deliver prestigious restoration projects. Over the past months, we have once again contributed to preserving some of Belgium's most iconic historic buildings.

Last year, we presented an overview of several recent projects. One year later, it's time to showcase five more remarkable restoration sites.

Entrance Pavilions - Antwerp Zoo

For more than 120 years, two monumental entrance pavilions have welcomed visitors to Antwerp Zoo (KMDA). Over time, however, rust, wear and tear, and bird droppings have severely affected the structures, making a thorough restoration necessary.

Throughout the years, the pavilions underwent various alterations and extensions that impacted their original appearance. During this restoration phase, targeted dismantling works are being carried out, the entire façade is being carefully cleaned, and damaged elements are being replaced with new natural stone and repair pieces. The goal is to restore the entrance pavilions to their historic 1904 appearance and detailing.

Although the works will take several months to complete, the pavilions will once again shine in their original glory, ensuring that this protected heritage monument is preserved for future generations visiting this unique 19th-century zoo.

Photo credits: Antwerp Zoo Image Bank

The headframe of Heusden-Zolder

The mining headframe of Heusden-Zolder, a landmark and symbol of Belgium's industrial heritage, is currently undergoing a major restoration campaign.

Years of exposure to the elements have significantly damaged both the protective paint layers and the steel structure. Beneath the thick paint coatings lies a steel framework with numerous profiles that have completely corroded, leaving large holes throughout the structure. Yet this steel framework is essential, as it provides the mass and strength required to keep the headframe standing as a witness to our valuable mining history.

While the lower section is fully enclosed and being restored on site, work is simultaneously taking place in the steel workshop. There, the curved roof elements are being reconstructed and prepared as prefabricated components that will later be reinstalled on top of the tower.

The Abbot's House - Geraardsbergen

The stately Abbot's House was once the jewel in the crown of Saint Adrian's Abbey, founded in 1096. Dating back to the 16th century, the residence provided a spacious and luxurious home for the abbots of this renowned pilgrimage site.

Although protected as a historic monument, the building had fallen into disrepair and had long been in need of restoration.

Over the past year, the slate roof, ornamental crowning elements, and exterior joinery have been completely renewed. Decorative mouldings, granito floors, existing parquet floors, marble window sills, and fireplaces have all been carefully restored. Naturally, the building has also been upgraded to meet modern standards for electrical and sanitary installations, and a new lift shaft has been added.

The restoration continues with the conservation of historic wallpaper and mirrors, the application of gilding to decorative plasterwork, and the completion of the interior painting works.

Once completed, the site will serve as a reception and conference venue, while its beautifully restored salons will be open for visitors to admire.

More information about the project can be found in the City Magazine of Geraardsbergen. https://lnkd.in/exy-FdMr

Photo credits: Lander Loeckx and Dieter Vanderlinden

Monastery of the Visitation - Kraainem

The redevelopment of the Monastery of the Visitation in Kraainem is transforming this valuable heritage site into a vibrant community-focused destination.

Until the start of the works, the building still functioned as a monastery. It is now being repurposed to accommodate a daycare centre, climbing gym, restaurant, family care centre, and various other facilities. The project combines contemporary needs with a strong focus on community and social connection.

This comprehensive contract includes structural works, finishing works, restoration, and special technical installations, all while respecting the building's original character. New architectural and technical additions complement the historic fabric, creating a project that is both respectful and innovative.

The close collaboration between all project partners is resulting in a truly remarkable transformation.

Town Hall - Damme

Since the 15th century, the impressive Town Hall has dominated the market square of Damme, near Bruges.

Built in the Brabantine Gothic style, the building stands on the site of the original wooden hall dating from 1241, when the Zwin waterway had not yet silted up and Damme still functioned as a thriving port town.

This restoration campaign focuses on the façades, roofs, roof turrets, interior and exterior joinery, and stained-glass windows. In addition, significant attention is being paid to the installation of modern HVAC systems to improve the building's energy performance.

At the same time, the historic halls are being prepared for their future role as a tourist reception and visitor centre.

These are just a few examples of the fascinating restoration projects currently underway. Would you like to discover more?

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We are currently looking for site foremen, bricklayers, service technicians, and several other professionals to join.

Visit our careers page and discover whether one of our opportunities could be the perfect fit for you.