a2o

Recently, the housing project in Oud-Turnhout was completed, and we’re thrilled to share some new pictures on our website! The project is designed to balance various needs while enhancing community character and functionality, with a focus on non-motorized traffic and sustainability. A new pedestrian and cycling path connects the village square with Kapelstraat, fostering social interaction and better connectivity. A private park provides a tranquil green space for residents and opens up the inner area, improving accessibility and community interaction. The architecture blends with the village’s character, aligning with neighboring structures and dedicating ground-floor spaces to community functions. Pictures by @stijn_bollaert  For groep Van Roey vastgoed

Together with Architectenbureau Michel Janssen we handed in a design proposal for the Courtines Citadel Diest. Preserving its historical significance while striking a balance between conservation and modernization was paramount. The project entails restoring historical features, addressing existing moisture issues, and integrating new elements to accommodate contemporary needs. Images by nuvillu illustrations Read more about the project via https://lnkd.in/eix3AdHB

For the Theater aan het Vrijthof in Maastricht we proposed a new structure that harmoniously complements the streetscape and delicately inscribes itself into the intricate fabric of the "oldest city in the Netherlands." Despite its substantial volume, the singular form of the Middle Hall gracefully implements itself into the architectural rhythm of its surroundings. It addresses the need for smaller-scale productions that feel overwhelmed in the expansive 915-seat Papyrus Hall yet cramped in the 110-seat Upper Hall.

PROXIMUS TOWERS - STUDY PUBLICATION We're pleased to see our study for the Proximus towers republished on the Bouwmeester Maître Architecte's website. Don't hesitate to download the full study and discover the research we did. The study explores transforming an office tower into residential space in Brussels North Quarter's Proximus Towers. It delves into designing residential typologies, focusing on shared and private spaces in both the tower and plinth. The research emphasizes collective living, suggesting collaboration between designers and end-users to create functional shared spaces. The study concludes with recommendations for a sustainable and cohesive living environment. BMA's publication: https://lnkd.in/d2STHqYG More about the study: https://lnkd.in/dPFrtbNB Project team: MULTIPLE architecture & urbanism, a2o, ARCHITECT KOEN VAN SYNGHEL Client: Immobel   #study #proximus #publication #architecture #ubanism #housing #offices #rehabilitation #adaptive #reuse

Last year the project of Achter de Hoven in the city center of Zonhoven has been completed. The project introduces 47 residential units, consisting of three distinct building volumes ranging from 3 to 5 storeys in height. Arranged in a U-shaped configuration, these volumes redefine a former wasteland within the village center, following a campus concept. The design incorporates green outdoor spaces both inside and outside the U-shaped arrangement. Along the perimeter, an existing cycle route from the village square to the church is introduced, while a park-like garden is established in the inner area between the building volumes. By opening up the inner area, passersby are encouraged to stroll freely between the blocks. for Dethier with BUROLANDSCHAP images by Stijn Bollaert

For the transformation of the Old Administrative Center in Hasselt, a design by brutalist architect Louis Ghysebrechts, we proposed a design that envisions adaptive reuse of the building and the insertion of a new volume with two movie theaters. By removing tresholds, the existing volume is connected with the public space and accessibility to the foyer is increased. New functions supporting the program of the building are organised by adding new layers into the old. Team Vanderstraeten nv | Sweco | Daidalos Peutz bouwfysisch ingenieursbureau | Belcotec

100 op 100 voor herbestemming - aflevering 82/100: Kabo Beringen De steenkoolmijn van Beringen is opgericht in 1907 en was een van de zeven mijnsites van het Kempense steenkoolbekken. In 1989 is de site gesloten en in 2013 beschermd als monument. De mijnsite is gelegen aan de voet van twee terrils en wordt onder de naam be-MINE herontwikkeld. Een van de meest opvallende gebouwen van de site is het voormalige vestiairegebouw. AAC architecture en a2o werkten samen aan de herbestemming ervan tot een school met een avontuurlijke buitenspeelplaats. Een brede trap gaat tussen de bestaande betonstructuur omhoog naar de eerste verdieping. De ontvangstruimte ligt centraal in de gangzone als een naar binnen gekeerde ruimte die gebruikt kan worden voor gezamenlijke activiteiten. In tegenstelling tot deze oriëntatie zijn de kleuterklassen op het gelijkvloers naar buiten gericht. Door de integratie van vides aan de voorgevel ontstaat er een boeiende interactie tussen de verschillende verdiepingen en klassen. Hierdoor wordt er voor de kleuterklassen een overdekte buitenzone gecreëerd, die overgaat in de speelplaats, ontworpen door FRIS IN HET LANDSCHAP. Vorig jaar won Kabo Beringen de Brussels Architecture Prize in de categorie ‘Extra Muros’ (voor projecten buiten het Brusselse grondgebied). Juryvoorzitter en architect Dorte Mandrup prees de ontwerpers voor hun integratie van de nieuwe volumes in de bestaande, beschermde constructie: “Zo ontstaat een duidelijk onderscheid tussen oud en nieuw, en worden de bestaande kwaliteiten onderstreept. Het gebruik van een doosconstructie in het bestaande gebouw, de ritmische afwisseling van enkel- en dubbelhoge ruimten, en tussen binnen en overdekt buiten resulteert in een warm, speels en uitnodigend interieur, met respect voor de strikte symmetrie van het bestaande gebouw.” Ik zou het niet beter kunnen samenvatten. Foto's © Stijn Bollaert Over '100 op 100 voor herbestemming': Niets is duurzamer en circulairder dan een nieuwe toekomst geven aan een bestaand pand. Zeker als dat gebeurt met respect voor de erfgoedwaarde van het gebouw. Gedurende een volledig jaar brengen Pieter Verfaillie (bow architecten), Ruben Willaert (Herbé), Sara Vermeulen, Wouter Polspoel (hoofdredacteur Circubuild), Rik Neven (zaakvoerder Palindroom) en ikzelf afwisselend in het totaal 100 mooie voorbeelden van herbestemming onder de aandacht. De serie loopt tot en met 12 mei 2024. Dan vindt de eerste editie plaats van de Herbestemmingsdag. Meer info over de Herbestemmingsdag vind je hier: www.herbestemmingsdag.be #herbestemming #herbestemmingsdag

We are very proud to announce the first prize for the competition for the renovation of the Flèche site. Together with MULTIPLE architecture & urbanism and Ontwerpatelier Peter Jannes we will work on the refurbishment of a typical example of Brussels’ social housing architecture from the 1970s.    Consideration for the living environment is central to our project, with each decision grounded in a balance between daily comfort and adherence to legal standards. To accomplish this, we have introduced several innovative features aimed at fostering a harmonious living environment.   One such innovation involves the incorporation of terraces as additional rooms. This new architectural element consisting of concrete slabs within a steel frame for the building transcends mere functionality, serving as a reflection that imbues the entire structure with a fresh identity. This approach enhances the architectural and visual coherence of the project. Images by @bocostudio

Last year we had the chance to hand in a design proposal for a new school in Barcelona with Pau Vidal-Estudio de Arquitectura. The Gaia School represents one of the new public pedagogical initiatives in the city of Barcelona that embraces a systemic and non-directive approach. The vision that was presented translates into an open, dynamic, flexible, and transformative school environment, where boundaries dissolve, and spaces offer a range of potential uses. Its placement within Glòries Park aligns with the notion that the school is an integral part of a larger system, contributing to the city and benefiting from its surroundings. A lightweight and delicate construction is introduced within the original structures to accommodate the new functional program. This construction stands out, creating an intermediate bioclimatic space that spans the height of the buildings. This same structure extends into the courtyard, defining arcades, stairs, and pathways between buildings, and forming open yet covered areas protected from sun and rain.

A year after the school has been delivered, Stijn Bollaert visited the new building for the VJC in Hasselt. The project introduces two new volumes that safeguard a central green area while opening up the site to the building’s environment. The main entrance has been recolated and classrooms that feature an open design, fostering an optimal learning environment, are housed within the new volumes. Additionally, the new volume on Maastrichtersteenweg will include multifunctional space for autonomous use, accessible to third parties outside of school hours. Placing this space on the periphery enables external utilization without granting unrestricted access to the entire campus. For Scholengemeenschap voor Katholiek Secundair Onderwijs Sint-Quintinus