Pascal, you’re responsible for day-to-day operations at the Kings/Lane construction site. What makes this project so special to you?
 What makes this project so special to you?
“It's truly an exceptional project. You can feel that this is not just any construction site; it’s a monument with history. Our biggest challenge is preserving and restoring the beautiful, authentic façade while making the building future-proof. That requires incredible precision, expertise, and a real love for the craft. But seeing how it’s already taking shape is truly wonderful.”

What do you encounter when restoring such an old building?
 “A lot. There are details that have been hidden or faded for years due to aging, modifications, or pollution. Now that we’ve cleaned and stripped the façade, the original ornaments and natural stone details are coming back to life. We also realize how well the structure was originally built. You only see how special it is when you’re working this closely. And that’s very rewarding.”

A lot of attention was given to the preparation phase as well, right?
 “Absolutely. We created mock-ups, small test walls where we tried different types of brick and pointing colors. This helps us see exactly what works best with the original architecture. It may seem like a small detail, but it defines the entire appearance of the façade. It takes real craftsmanship, you need masons who truly master this.”

How is the contact with the buyers?
We are in close contact with the future residents of Kingslane. With each of them, we discuss their personal design choices and the planning for their home. At Kingslane, we call this: design your own. Sometimes they come by to see the construction site, which makes their future home feel more tangible — and they get a sense of how much work has already gone into it.

How do you ensure that Kingslane will be sustainable?
 “Sustainability has been part of the plan from the very beginning. Each home will have its own heat-cold storage system deep underground. In summer, heat is stored and used again in winter for heating, and the other way around for cooling. As a result, the building will be gas-free and energy-efficient. What you see now is mostly preparatory technical work: pipes, basement structures, installations, the foundation of a sustainable building.”

Can you tell us something about the insulation?
Kings/Lane was built according to the standards of its time: a very robust structure, but with little attention to insulation. We’re updating everything to meet today’s high requirements for comfort and energy efficiency. New floors are being installed throughout the building, and the penthouse will receive a fully new insulated roof. The façades will be insulated and the windows will get HR++ glass. For heating, each home will have its own heat pump connected to the thermal energy storage system.

What can you already see of the final result?
 “Even now, at this construction stage and in November, you can see how beautifully the light enters the future homes. That says a lot about how pleasant it will be to live here. When you realize that we’re able to preserve the historical character and make it completely contemporary, it makes me proud as a builder.”