The client, AG Vespa, aims to breathe new life into neglected buildings in Antwerp. This includes three 19th-century buildings at Leysstraat 7–15, on the extension of the Meir. Bovenbouw renovated four storeys into eight flats, incorporating surprising design elements and ornamentation. The starting point was to extend the rich, eclectic façade into the interior.

A large part of the budget was initially allocated to the necessary restoration of the three listed façades, which are richly adorned with ornamentation, round arches, gold leaf, turrets and statues. But behind those flamboyant façades lay austere, vacant floors left to fall into disrepair. Bovenbouw based its renovation on eliminating that enormous discrepancy. The fact that the interior was not protected by the Immovable Heritage Authority also gave the designers the necessary freedom to add an extra layer of ornamentation and visual interest inside.