Welsh Slate Restores the "Buzz" to Historic Brussels Factory Façade
A historic Art Deco factory in Brussels has been transformed into a stunning apartment complex, thanks to a meticulous restoration featuring Welsh Slate. The La Magneto building, known for its unique slate façade, now shines again after a 10-year heritage project. By using premium Cwt-y-Bugail slate, DG Architects successfully honored the building’s industrial past while ensuring its structural future. Discover how this iconic Belgian landmark regained its architectural buzz.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – A former electric motor factory in the heart of Brussels is enjoying a new lease of life, thanks to a meticulous restoration featuring premium Welsh Slate.
The La Magneto apartment building, a striking example of late Art Deco architecture, has undergone a comprehensive façade transformation. Central to the project was the use of Cwt-y-Bugail Dark Blue slate, specified to replace and restore the building’s unique decorative elements.
A Heritage Reclaimed
Built in 1941 and designed by architect Leon Guiannotte, the site originally housed administrative offices and workshops. While industrial activity ceased in 1975, the building’s architectural significance remained. In 2017, the façade was officially listed as a heritage site, largely due to its unusual and extensive use of slate installed vertically; a design choice typically reserved for Belgian Blue Stone.
When DG Architects (DGA) took on the project, they faced a decade-long challenge. The original slate, likely sourced from now-closed local quarries, was failing due to outdated installation techniques and deteriorating iron fixings.
Finding the Perfect Match
To honor the building’s history, the architects needed a material that matched the aesthetic of the original stone while offering modern durability. After an extensive consultation with European quarries, Welsh Slate’s Cwt-y-Bugail stood out.
“Welsh Slate quickly stood out due to its strong resemblance to the original material,” said Floriane Frys, Architect at DG Architects. “Besides its aesthetic qualities, the quarry provided various national and European certifications… These results were further validated through strength and pull-out tests conducted by the contractor, Bajart.”
Technical Precision
Approximately 88m² of Cwt-y-Bugail slate with a honed finish was used for:
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Façade elements
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Wall copings
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Cills and thresholds
The restoration wasn’t just cosmetic. DGA and contractor Bajart developed modern technical solutions to ensure longevity, including the use of chemical anchors and fine copper moldings to replace traditional drip edges, preventing the structural issues that had plagued the building since the mid-20th century.
A 10-Year Success Story
The completion of the project marks the end of a rigorous 10-year scheme. The total restoration budget of approximately €850,000, supported in part by regional subsidies, has successfully preserved 20 spacious shared-ownership apartments.
“The final result has been unanimously praised,” concluded Frys. “The slate interventions are clearly visible yet respectful, seamlessly integrating into the building’s past and future history.”
