platform architecture

The request for demolition and replacement of 23 housing units (12 types 1/2, 5 adapted types 1/2 and 6 types 3/4) allows, from the analysis of the existing context, to give a new impetus to the neighborhood, characterized by ground-level and stacked housing in a pronounced brick architecture. The public space in between possesses a high degree of paving with scattered small-scale public green elements and no ecological value.

We reflect on the site from the perspective of the undeveloped open space and position the new compact residential buildings at the corners of the site. This creates a new, well-defined building block with a large, softened green space inside that preserves the quality green elements already present. This green space is an extension of the surrounding green structures and introduces a contiguous, biodiverse landscape design at the scale of the neighborhood. The implantation of the residential buildings also allows for the design of smaller-scale plazas at the heads of the triangular block that facilitate meeting and integrate the new buildings into their immediate surroundings.

Location: Christuslaan, Wervik

Client: !Mpuls

Timing: 2022

Budget: € 4.168.615 (excl. VAT and fees)

Surface area: 2.937 m2

Status: competition design

Design team: platform architectuur i.c.w. Studio Lauka, Tecclem (stability) and Tech3 (MEP).