Surrounded by detailed paper models and colourful drawings in their office in the centre of Brussels, the three founders of Architecten Geldof Mertens en Noben – Agmen for short – explain their architectural practice.

Michiel Geldof, Paul Mertens and Piet Noben met whilst studying at KU Leuven. After gaining experience at various Belgian firms, the three decided to set up their own practice in 2013. A year later, they designed ‘Badhuis’, a conversion of a striking building in Antwerp – once home to a public bathhouse – into three apartments. This marked the real start of their practice. The project involved the renovation of the existing building, as well as a new section that forms the transition between outside and inside, between public and private, between the city and the home. This new section was placed alongside the old one. This ensured that the authenticity of the existing building was preserved. The two parts – the extension and the renovation – differ greatly in form, but by opting for a specific shared design language in both sections, the architects have nevertheless forged a coherent whole.