Lokeren Cultural Centre

Import.Export Architects engages us for a feasibility study of the master plan for the culture site.
Restauration & Renovation

  • Architect: Import.Export Architecture (master plan, design research)

  • Partners: Value partners (needs assessment), Antea group (urban planning studies, infrastructure and mobility), ARAT Architects (heritage and museum care)

  • Client: City of Lokeren

  • Timing: 2024

  • Status: Executed

  • Advisors: Ingenium (energy analysis, sustainability and techniques)


As part of the master plan for the Cultural Site Kerkplein & Torenstraat in Lokeren, we carried out a comprehensive condition measurement and structural analysis for five buildings on the site: the Dekenij, the City Archives, the Library, CC Torenstraat and CC Kerkplein. These audits provide essential insights for the future management and maintenance of these buildings.

The buildings are of different ages and their condition is not clear. A lot of patching work has been done in recent years. We cannot keep doing that. That's why we first want to appoint a study bureau to map everything out properly, make a clear needs analysis that a modern library and cultural centre must meet, and then finally draw up a master plan for the Kerkplein and Torenstraat Lokeren cultural site.
Schepen van Cultuur Marina Van Hoorick
  • The condition measurements were carried out according to the NEN 2767 standard and included visual inspections of the building condition, and analyses of energy performance and fire safety.
  • Based on these studies, a maintenance schedule was drawn up for each building and recommendations were made for short- and medium-term renovations.
Dekenij Lokeren

Dekenij

The Deanery is a historic building that shows settlement cracks and leaks in the basement. The external facades show signs of ageing, with cracks and moisture damage. The roof is currently being renovated, which will improve energy performance. Recommended interventions include maintenance works on the facades and renovation of the external joinery.

20240214 162441 Groot
DSC04300 Groot

Library

The library consists of a historic section and a 1982 extension. The facades show wear, and the flat roof has limited insulation value. The external joinery has moderate to poor energy performance and is in need of replacement.

DSC04379 Groot

City Archive

The Stadsarchief suffers from rising damp in the load-bearing walls and cracks in the facades. The roofing shows wear and tear and is poorly insulated. Renovation of the outer shell and damp-proofing measures are crucial to ensure structural integrity.

DSC04308 Groot

CC Torenstraat

The Torenstraat cultural centre is in a poor architectural and energy condition. The facades and roofs show ageing, and the joinery performs poorly in terms of energy. Structural interventions are needed to make the building more sustainable.

Foyer cc lokeren
Cc Lokereen

CC Kerkplein

This building includes a hall, foyer and cultural café. The structure is in good condition, but the facades and roofs perform poorly energetically. The external joinery of the hall is in poor condition and requires prompt intervention.

Conclusion

The structural engineering analyses of the five buildings show that while the structural core is retained in many cases, significant interventions are needed in terms of energy efficiency and moisture issues. A phased approach is recommended:

  • Short-term (2-5 years):
    • Immediate moisture control measures
    • Roof renovations and repair of aged joinery
    • Urgent interventions (such as the replacement of the emergency staircase in CC Church Square)
  • Medium-term (5-10 years):
    • Comprehensive façade renovations and structural improvements
    • Replacement of external joinery with energy optimisation
    • Integration of sustainable energy solutions (e.g. solar panels)

This approach allows the Lokeren Cultural Site to preserve its heritage while making it future-proof and energy-efficient.

Meet our experts

From Team Renovation, Restoration & Maintenance (3)

BB Arno oct 2014

ir. arch. Arno Van Hulle

Project architect
Maintenance consultant
E-mail |
Gust

ir. arch. Gust Mannaerts

Project architect
E-mail |
Yante 569 A4914

ing. Yante Strumane

E-mail |

From Team Fire (1)

Julie J 3227

ir. arch. Julie Janssens

Project architect
E-mail |

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TAGS: Feasibility study