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Client(s)Compagnie Het Zoute
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Construction siteKortrijk
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Project architectFrederic Maurel
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Architect teamElisabeth Casteleyn, Sebastien Delagrange, Pieter Van Den Berge
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Competition2024
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Year2025-
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StatusDesign
Cluster C: A Key Element in the Loof Urban Renewal Project in Kortrijk
Cluster C is part of the Loof urban renewal project in Kortrijk, developed within a master plan designed by West 8. This mixed-use development serves as a pivotal link between the urban character of the Doorniksewijk and Park Nolf, an English landscape garden. This duality is reflected in the architectural design, as the project transitions from a compact urban block to an open, park-like setting.
The gradation in building density is achieved by strategically breaking up the block, creating clearly defined entrances—antichambres—that connect to the future cycling and pedestrian axis. On the northwest side, the building culminates in a residential tower that acts as a distinctive landmark along the extended cycling route from Pater Beckstraat to Bloemistenstraat. The tower’s stand-alone character is emphasized by a unique green materialization, harmonizing with the natural surroundings of Park Nolf.
Additionally, the project integrates two existing interwar houses into a new urban ensemble along Doorniksewijk. The use of complementary materials and architectural language ensures a seamless transition between old and new. Sustainability is a core principle: the development is designed to be fossil-free, utilizing geothermal energy for heating and cooling.
Cluster C is a well-considered urban and architectural response to the complex context in which it is situated. Through its interplay between urban density and green space, the integration of heritage with contemporary architecture, and its focus on sustainable technologies, the project contributes to a high-quality, future-proof urban development in Kortrijk.
