Bathroom renovation at the former
Van Gelder Museum

Project presentation

Historical imagery meets contemporary interior design

The former Pieter Smidt Van Gelder Museum in Antwerp has been carefully transformed into a modern office building, giving the historic property a new and purposeful future. As part of the conversion, the public bathrooms were redesigned with a distinctive interior concept.

Large-scale historical artworks and detailed collages reference the building’s former use and turn the functional spaces into an engaging visual environment. Signature was used for the customised interior walls and doors, allowing the imagery to become an integral part of the architecture.

The expressive designs are complemented by deep black Touch surfaces. Together, the historical motifs, refined finishes and restrained colour palette create a striking connection between cultural heritage and contemporary working life.

The bathroom renovation combines two Polyrey surface solutions that offer both creative freedom and reliable performance.

Signature was used to reproduce historical artworks and objects across the interior walls and doors. The customised surfaces make the museum’s former collection part of the new interior and give the rooms a unique visual identity.

Touch in N005 Noir was selected for the external doors and washbasins. Its deep matt finish creates an elegant and contemporary contrast to the detailed historical imagery. Anti-fingerprint properties help reduce visible marks and maintain a clean, refined appearance in daily use.

The combination of HPL and Compact is particularly suitable for high-traffic and moisture-exposed environments where design, hygiene and durability are equally important.