SOLVAY 44
LOCATION
Brussels, Belgium
CLIENT
Immobel s.a. and BPI s.a.
(Les Deux Princes Development s.a. and Immo 33 I)
PARTNERS
Jaspers-Eyers Architects
ARTIST
-
PROJET
2011 - 2013
CONSTRUCTION
2013 - 2016
AREA
50,000 sqm
CONTEXT
housing, student housing, hotel, retail, and nursing home
SETTING
city centre
The rehabilitation and conversion of the historic Solvay company headquarters spreads across two neighbouring islets. For islet 33, the planned development consists of family homes, student accommodation and a retirement home. The architectural challenge is to maintain the continuity of the urban development of the islet, while offering a contrast in the interior areas of the islet. The conservation of all the street façades, the keeping of the existing carriage-gate entrances, as well as the creation of two internal courtyards through the demolition of two interior wings will form the basis of the project. The courtyards, the heart of the project, are surrounded by new contemporary façades, a dynamic style which contrasts with the classical exterior of the conserved façades. For islet 44, the aim is to propose a singular, innovative layout for the new buildings put up on the site. The planned development combines mainly homes, a hotel, a crèche, shops and offices. The tiny existing square is enlarged into a small, secure public park, which will extend into a large private garden in which urban villas will be constructed. This open layout is intended to be generous, and opens up the islet visually from all sides, in order to create a link with the quarter. The dimensions of the various buildings have been considered in relation to the adjacent buildings, and the features that we wish to highlight.
