LOCATION 

CLIENT

DESIGN

CONSTRUCTION

GROSS FLOOR AREA

CONTEXT

SETTING

BUDGET 

Brussels, Belgium 

Régie des Bâtiments

2004 - 2007

2008 - 2009

31,665 m²

offices

urban

7.350.000 € - excluding taxes

Designed immediately after the First World War, and built between 1922 and 1927, the Résidence Palace complex consisted of several luxury apartment buildings designed by architect Michel Polak, commissioned by businessman Lucien Kaisin. It was the project developer's dream come true: "a small town in the city". Three buildings have survived until today: block A intended to host institutions of the European Union, Block E, renovated into apartments and Block C, the subject of this project. During the construction of the Residence Palace, the technical plant (heating, electricity ...) were designed to serve the entire complex. They were shared, and were all housed in the basement floors between block A and block C. Following the decision to transfer block A to the European Union, several proposals had to be examined, in order to enable a physical separation of blocks A and C and make them completely autonomous. On the other hand, the condition of block C required some renovations and new needs connected with its operation as the International Press Centre imposed some more far-reaching alterations. The study of various parameters of the programme led to the building of an additional storey including not only new plant rooms but also a prestige roof terrace. This additional storey was ornamented with pergolas reproduced to look exactly like those on top of the original block A. As part of this project, the façades on level 08, previously clad with asbestos panels, were restored to an identical appearance, and new dressing rooms were fitted out for the theatre. The construction took place without disturbing the operation of the Press Centre and in coordination with neighbouring sites (European Council in block A, including the RER railway line being built underneath block C).