Water towers are often overlooked architectural gems that combine functionality with design and history. Belgium, with its rich industrial and cultural heritage, is home to some fascinating examples. Here’s a list of seven water towers that are as breathtaking as they are unique.
Abandoned Art Nouveau Water Tower at Tour & Taxis, Brussels
This early 20th-century masterpiece stands on the grounds of the former Tour & Taxis rail yard. Despite its abandoned state, it remains an enduring symbol of Brussels' industrial past.
Iron Water Tower at De Naeyer Paper Factory
Built in 1903, this tower features an Intze-type water tank, a design pioneered by German engineer Otto Intze for optimal water distribution. While the exact builder remains a mystery, the tower’s robust iron construction and proximity to the De Naeyer paper factory are a testament to the ingenuity of early industrial engineering.
Water Tower Near Treignes Border Station
Erected in 1910, this water tower once served steam locomotives travelling between Charleroi and the French border. Located near the Treignes border station, it’s a nostalgic reminder of the golden age of railways and a testament to the vital role of water in the age of steam engines.
Monnoyer-Type Water Tower
In the shadow of the historic headframe and compressor building of the Helchteren-Zolder coal mine stands a rare Monnoyer-type water tower. This unique structure reflects the synergy between mining operations and water storage needs during Belgium’s industrial heyday.
Mushroom-Shaped Water Tower
This concrete water tower, built in 1984 in a Flemish Brabant village near Halle, is a modern marvel. You will find its Art Deco predecessor from 1931 just a few dozen meters away. This example had a much more limited capacity, only 105 cubic meters, and is no longer in use today
Round Chimney with a Water Reservoir
This hybrid structure, dating back to the 1920s, features a round chimney with a water reservoir halfway up. Located in a region known for floriculture, it serves as a quirky reminder of the innovative ways water towers were integrated into industrial buildings, balancing utility with aesthetic harmony.
Ypres Water Tower, Post-WWI Reconstruction
Constructed using the Hennebique reinforced concrete system, the Ypres water tower has stood for almost a century as part of the city’s reconstruction following the devastation of World War I. Its sturdy design and historical significance make it a landmark in the West Flanders landscape.
From ornate Art Nouveau styles to practical modern designs, Belgium’s water towers tell stories of industrial growth, architectural innovation, and historical resilience. These seven examples are more than just storage tanks; they are enduring monuments to human creativity and engineering prowess. Discover more water towers in Belgium and abroad!
