Inside Eugène Autrique's house

Event venue to rent in Schaerbeek. In 1893, Horta was 32 years old: after his internships at Alphonse Balat, the construction of a few houses in Ghent and many projects, he received the commission of a personal house from his friend Eugène Autrique, an engineer at Solvay. The program set by Autrique was simple: "no luxury, no extravagance: habitable subterranean, dignified vestibule and staircase, pleasantly united living and dining room, first floor with bath and toilet (not yet common at the time) and second attic floor for children and staff "(V. Horta, Memoirs, 31). This will be the first private mansion built by Victor Horta. It already reveals elements that will be the subject of ongoing research by the architect: a beginning of a connection with the sidewalk, wall coverings of various thicknesses, the coexistence of symmetry-dissymmetries, not to mention the use of metal and industrial materials. Almost at the same time, Horta realizes the Hotel Tassel; the following years will see the orders multiply and flourish this style that will soon be called Art Nouveau. In his memoirs, Horta returns to his work: "[...] my conscience was satisfied to have satisfied a friend and my professional happiness touched all my aspirations of having realized an honest work, having borrowed nothing to no one. (Memoirs, 33). Discover Eugène Autrique's house for your next event!