Jonoje Sculpture Defies Convention

Studio Loho’s Jonojé is a project that defies easy categorization, leaving one to wonder if it’s beautiful or ugly. However, it’s clear that Jonojé, located in a former brush factory on the outskirts of Bruges, is not ugly — it’s just unconventional.

Studio Loho has opened Jonojé, a six-suite B&B that doubles as a showroom, gallery, photo studio, and living space. This 1,000 square metre listed building features a director’s residence and a 1,250 square metre garden, allowing visitors to step into the world of Studio Loho.

A Total Concept

Each of the six 75 square metre suites has its own unique atmosphere, built using a range of materials and techniques developed in-house. The suites feature organically plastered walls, freestanding ceramic shower cubicles, clay washbasins, and organic ceramic switches designed by Maison Kallis.

The Roku suite stands out with its bamboo-slat structures, while cast floors in other suites are decorated with graphic motifs made from clay residues. This creative approach to waste reimagines it as ornament, showcasing Studio Loho’s commitment to innovative design.

A Unique Experience

The real showstopper is the ceramic bathtub, moulded and fired from a single piece of clay. This piece put Studio Loho on the international map and captures the essence of the project, which resists easy labels. The whole place operates on a push-pull between the simple and the sculptural, creating a unique experience for visitors.

Studio Loho was founded in 2017 by Karel Loontiens and Jo Hoeven, who craft objects, surfaces, and one-off pieces in their Bruges workshops. They increasingly collaborate with artists, such as Sharon Van Overmeiren, to create unique and lasting designs.

According to Loontiens and Hoeven, their approach prioritizes longevity over disposability, focusing on beauty designed to be cherished for generations. They believe that the rooms of a home should be more than just functional — they should be canvases for expression, where form and function meet in harmony.

Redefined Interior Design

For the people who will be staying at Jonojé, this approach means they will be surrounded by beauty and comfort that is both functional and expressive. The suites are designed to be lived in, not just visited, and this is what sets Jonojé apart from other hotels or showrooms.

The question of whether Jonojé is beautiful or ugly becomes irrelevant in the face of its uniqueness. It’s an experience that challenges visitors to rethink their expectations of interior design and what it means to create a space that is both functional and beautiful.

Studio Loho’s Jonojé is a sign to the power of innovative design, where the simple and the sculptural coexist in a way that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. As visitors step into the world of Studio Loho, they will be surrounded by a unique blend of materials, techniques, and artistic collaborations that will leave a lasting impression.