Collective Housing on Commercial Plinth

The project consists of a living quarter on top of a commercial complex in Haacht, Belgium. It is a typology exploration: each activity represents itself through the facades and yet separated.

Project Residential, commercial

Location Haacht, BE

Type Commission

Area 4,750 m2

Team SMAK Architects

Status
Under construction

“how to still achieve high end living quality, that is the challenge”

Main concept

It is a detached building in an open space. A consequence of this is that all facades become main facades. The building rises as an object, a sculpture, exhibited on an urban square. The building enters into a reciprocal relationship with its environment: seeing and being seen

The existing environment will be transformed into a multifunctional place where living, shopping and relaxing are connected in an interesting way. This environment is not closed off, but wants to consciously focus on the public domain and offer passers-by and visitors a pleasant living space. The design aims for a mix of urban activities such as a supermarket, high-quality apartments with spacious terraces surrounded by greenery and a collective relaxation area.