Le Lorrain - Brussels, Belgium

Brussels, Belgium

Description

This project is the renovation of the former scrap metal dealer Brumétal into a social housing complex consisting of a building with 4 apartments connected to a large common open space with 3 maisonettes at the rear of the site.

Urban scale

This lighthouse residential project for the «Morski» neighborhood contract consists of clearing and opening up the interior of the plot, which is completely built up and makes this part of the street "breathe" thanks to a wide opening. It aims to give the neighborhood a new spring through both strong and appropriate contemporary architectural and urban intervention that benefits the community while preserving a trace of the neighborhood's industrial past.

Architectural design

The overall design reflects a contemporary approach based on genius loci and program requirements. It includes different types of accommodation: simplex, duplex and triplex from 2 to 4 bedrooms and organized in one residential building and 3 terraced houses at the rear of the site.

As the site was tightly enclosed by high walls, it was decided to clear the interior of the plot and raise the maisonettes to maximize the amount of light captured and take advantage of the best sunlight. These solutions also allow for a garage at street level and avoid the complete disposal of the site.

On the street front, the apartments are raised and pushed back to create a first visual sequence between the road and the complex. By lowering the eastern lot wall, the oppressive feeling from the interior of the lot is reduced and more light penetrates into the interior of the lot.

A large circulation area has been carved out within the site and creates a wide meeting and play area for residents. Each house also has a private garden and recessed entrance to put some distance between the front door and the public space.