The old cinema in Tielt is being repurposed. Gilberte Watté has long dreamed of running her own flower and book business. With this in mind, she and her husband, Filip Bogaert, bought the old Tielt cinema a few years ago. In addition to flowers and art books, there is also ‘food-sharing’ space, realised by the passionate chef Michiel Van Colenberghe.
Miguel Algoet was closely involved in the renovation and the interior of this historical building. During the renovation, it was especially challenging to break the interior down to the essentials. The spirit of the building must be respected at all costs. Optimal use was made of the old building materials we found.
The name ‘De Traagheid’ (Slowness) is derived from a beautiful poem and manages to capture everything that slowness is about. More about this later.
Arc lamp
This pre-war enamel light with opaline bowl hung above the bar with opaline art-deco light fixtures.
Old theatre spotlights
Old theatre spotlights are getting a second life in De Traagheid. Add a handle and a spout to the spotlight and what you get is a coffee pot. Appropriate since the coffee here is fabulous.
Façade
For the last 120 years, the building has undergone numerous changes and alterations. When the project began, we found elements on the central façade that did not really fit the spirit of the building. For the flower shop, we needed more light and contact with the street. So we decided to make use of the old section in the façade. Miguel Algoet found his inspiration for this in, amongst other sources, the book ‘Tielt: Historische stedenatlas van België’ (Tielt: Historical city atlas of Belgium).
Bookcase
A contemporary wood and metal bookcase was added to the space. An old bookcase ladder helps reach the topmost shelves.
Old spiral staircase
An old spiral staircase was incorporated for access to the Statler and Waldorf ‘balcony’.
Flemish fireplace
The Flemish fireplace, with Gothic mantel legs made from white stone, was restored and made functional with a wood-burning stove from Verplancke Haarden. Its cosy feeling radiates a homely warmth that yet again pays tribute to the name ‘de Traagheid’.
Old theatre lights
Old copper theatre light with an improbably beautiful patina.
Art Deco lamp
This 1930s light adds to the charm of the picturesque spot.
Bar lighting
We decided to use small midnight blue enamel lights above the work bench where the florists make their flower arrangements.
