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In the centre of Brussels, on the Papenvest site, we are at the helm of an ambitious urban renewal project together with MDW architecture and LAN.
  • Architect: MDW architecture, LAN i.c.w. Bureau Bouwtechniek

  • Client: Brussels Housing (guidance) - City of Brussels land direction

  • Surface: 53.700 m²

  • Budget: € 60.000.000

  • Timing: 2019 -

  • Status: Design phase

  • Photographer: MDW architecture - LAN

  • Advisors: Bureau Greisch (stability), Matriciel (endurance space), Contemporary Landscape Creations (landscape)

PRO ILOT NORD LAN PHOTOMERGE 001

Redevelopment of an urban ensemble in the heart of Brussels

The original five residential towers from the 1960s no longer met contemporary housing standards and did not fit in with the surrounding urban fabric. The buildings were outdated, energy-inefficient and created an unpleasant living environment. The new design aims to reintegrate the site into the city through a thoughtful urban planning approach that works on both an urban and human scale.

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An integrated approach

The design reinterprets the traditional Brussels building block and adapts it to its specific context. The project envisages three different building volumes that together embrace a central, green public space. This space acts as a connecting element between the various functions on the site, including housing, a sports hall and community facilities.

With this project, we contribute to the transformation of an outdated residential complex into a vibrant, sustainable and integrated urban district.

AP Gymnase Facade Place

Programme and features

  • 350 housing units: of which 210 are social housing units managed by Brussels Housing and 140 are mid-range housing units managed by the City of Brussels Ground Control. The houses range from studios to five-bedroom flats and have private gardens or terraces.
  • Sports hall: a multifunctional space suitable for various sports, including mini-football and handball, as well as halls for martial arts and gymnastics.
  • Community facilities: including a day centre for seniors, childcare facilities, an urban farm on the roof of the sports hall, a community centre, a bicycle repair workshop and commercial spaces such as a convenience store and a launderette.

Sustainability and participation

Sustainability is central to the design, with a focus on energy efficiency, water management and reuse of materials. Homes are built to passive standards to minimise energy consumption.

Residents are actively involved in the design process, with a say in the design of both communal and public space(s).

As executive architects, we help the designing architects with all technical and financial issues so that they can fully focus on the design. We also monitor the implementation and ensure that the objectives and plan are always crystal clear for all partners, so that together we can realise our dreams.

Meet our team

From Team Architecture (French-speaking) (3)

CESAR 9 6 23 569 A8768 Gemiddeld

arch. César Watterlot

Project architect
E-mail |
JOHAN 9 6 23 569 A8828 Gemiddeld

ir. arch. John Flippo

Project architect
E-mail |
Kopie van Paulus

ir. arch. Félix de Walque

Project architect
E-mail |
TAGS: Executive architect| BIM