“A little island in Ghent.” Living in the old docks!

HISTORY

Simple S is a renovated barge docked in Ghent, near Dampoort. It is one of the last riveted ships in Belgium, built at the shipyard Plaques in Peronnes in 1943: Length 38.81m, width 5.09m and can sail on rivers and canals.

ARCHITECTURE+INTERIOR

The renovation of the formally named ‘ROVI’ has been done with respect for the authenticity of the barge. From the beginning, the hold of the ship is considered as 1 large multipurpose space: to live, to work, to meet, and to organise events,… To create a strong contrast between OLD and NEW, a limited number of materials has been used through-out the ship: steel, wood, polyester and also the original floor has been re-used. The B&B cabin has been restored in its full glory and transformed into an authentic B&B cabin!

FACTS

° 1999 purchase ship

° 2007-2011 phase 1: renovation of the barge to a modern living and event space in one with B&B Cabin

° 2011-2014 in use

° 2014-2015 phase 2: optimization space to “lunch-and events space ‘ ROVI ‘ (fall 2014-spring 2015)

° 2015 01.06.15: NOAH_Lunch & Aperobar on the water. (01.06.15)