Carmel Bruges

In the historic centre of Bruges, the former Carmelite Convent is being given a new future through a redevelopment project by Istoir. The rectangular convent complex consists of several wings arranged around a central cloister courtyard and borders a large walled garden to the south-west. The building has a remarkable history: although it later served as a convent for the Carmelite sisters, its original construction dates back to the first half of the sixteenth century, when it housed the “Latijnse Schole” of the renowned Bruges humanist, historian and chronicler Jacob de Meyere. The lime finishing works were carried out by Bart Rooze, a specialist in traditional façade finishes.

Following the complete removal of the existing paint layers, the historic walls were finished with RC Kalei, a traditional lime-based finish made with natural hydraulic lime (NHL 3.5) from Saint-Astier. Thanks to its vapour-permeable properties, RC Kalei allows the masonry to breathe while providing long-lasting protection suitable for historic buildings. This authentic mineral finish enhances the character of the former convent while respecting its architectural heritage.

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