Physical model detail of an internal stair and balcony railing
Physical façade model combining the retained front and new rear volume
Two small white physical models of apartment interiors
Pair of white apartment models showing alternative arrangements
Top view of a furnished apartment model with curved exterior wall
Top view of a furnished living room in the apartment model
Sectional apartment model showing two levels and a recessed terrace
Sectional model of a living room opening to a recessed balcony
Model diptych showing a long living space and terrace threshold
Interior model of a living room framed by a deep terrace opening
Street view of the restored red brick residential block
Cutaway façade collage showing residents using stacked balconies
Brick façade with inset windows and projecting balconies
Brick residential courtyard with mature trees and a play area
Garden play space between brick housing blocks and balconies

The renovation project concerns seven buildings located at the intersection of Rue de l'Escaut and Rue de Rotterdam. These structures, exemplary of their time, comprise distinct autonomous blocks organized around a courtyard/garden. The street facades are meticulously maintained, while the rear facades exhibit simpler features. The essence of the project is to preserve the building's character through minimal renovation interventions.

The program primarily entails social apartments, with certain adjustments to enhance their interaction with the neighborhood. A communal space will be established on the ground floor, fostering collective initiatives among the inhabitants. Subtle elevational additions will be executed on five central blocks to cater to the demand for more substantial dwellings.

The scheme also envisions the creation of generous balconies for each apartment, promoting neighborly interactions while safeguarding the residents' privacy. Modifications will be carried out to ensure that most apartments are accessible to individuals with reduced mobility. Housing distribution, comprising both single-bedroom and three-bedroom units, will be optimally achieved by harnessing the existing spatial configurations. Horizontal and vertical amalgamations will engender larger living spaces. The introduction of duplex configurations and broader balconies will enhance the residents' comfort.

Beyond the architectural overhaul, the project is firmly committed to fostering sustainability and community participation. Multiple indispensable aspects are conscientiously considered, encompassing project management during habitation, the articulation of communal and convivial spaces, green roof installations, rainwater management, utilization of biosourced materials, photovoltaic solar panels, and the promotion of gentle mobility.

Location
BE, Brussels, Rue de l’Escaut
Works
Preservation, renovation and extension
Role
Complete mission, design, and execution
Typology
Patrimonial housing buildings
Program
38 Social housing
Surface
5’250 m2 (+900 m2 outdoor)
Client
LLM – Le Logement Molenbeekois
Association
KARBON / NO90
Partners
ARP – MK Engineering – BESP – Retrival – COPEB
Date
2021
Status
Competition 3rd Price
Credits
KARBON / NO90

Drawings

Site plan of the triangular plot between housing and a curved road
Ground plan of an L-shaped housing block around a green courtyard
Residential floor plan around the open triangular site
Upper floor plan of apartments wrapping the shared courtyard
Ground-floor plan of units along the L-shaped perimeter
Plan of the shorter housing wing beside the open courtyard
Apartment floor plans organized around central stairs and services
Paired sections and elevations combining photographs with linework
Environmental section showing daylight and ventilation through the block
Site axonometric showing circulation and play spaces around the block

Contact

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