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Client(s)Bermaso nv
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Construction siteAntwerp
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Project architectJoke Verstraete
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Architect teamSeppe Meyvis
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Main contractorFransen Bouwonderneming
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Year2023 -
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StatusIn progress
This project is situated on both Ankerrui and Stijfselrui. A passage to the inner area is provided via Ankerrui. On Ankerrui, several dwellings/apartments are currently in a neglected condition. These will be demolished. A new nine-storey volume will be created for student housing. On Stijfselrui, the site is vacant, and a new building block for apartments will be constructed. The new volume follows the cornice line of the adjacent buildings, ensuring that the building mass fully aligns with the existing streetscape. In the inner area, two buildings are currently present: a horse stable and a warehouse. Both are in poor condition and will be renovated with respect for the historical value of their structures.
For the new volumes on Ankerrui and Stijfselrui, the façade design and articulation follow the principle of a clean grid. This continues the architectural language of the surrounding buildings. The main building on Ankerrui will be constructed using a grid of architectural concrete and façade brickwork. On the ground floor, the architectural concrete will be polished, emphasizing the building’s plinth. The external joinery on the right section will be placed at a slight angle within this grid. In the left section, the concrete frames are interrupted by brickwork. By applying different detailing in the left and right parts of the proposed façade, a subtle division into “plots” is created. This maintains the existing scale and grain of the streetscape. The building on Stijfselrui will also feature grid-based architecture, constructed with light-coloured brick. The infill panels will consist of light-coloured architectural concrete.
For the existing volumes, the historical significance of the façades is taken into account. The existing warehouse façade has little value and will be insulated and plastered in a light colour. The façade of the horse stables is in poor condition but is structurally and architecturally valuable. Therefore, it will be finished with a limewash in a dark reddish-brown colour.
