LA CHOCOLATERIE
LOCATION
Brussels, Belgium
CLIENT
KORAMIC
AREA
5 489 sqm above ground
PROGRAM
Housing
PROJECT
-
STATUS
In progress
The project to transform the former Antoine chocolate factory into offices and apartments highlights the industrial heritage by removing annexes and warehouses. Two modern raw concrete buildings are added, creating a smooth circulation with landscaped courtyards of various sizes.
The site of the former Antoine chocolate factory, founded in the 1850s and located in Ixelles, has undergone several transformations since its closure in 1947. Today, it is being rehabilitated to house offices and apartments. The project highlights the industrial heritage of the factory by removing the annexes and warehouses that were added over time, revealing the facades of the main buildings. This allows the iconic structures to reclaim a prominent place within the courtyard. Two new buildings, made of raw concrete, are positioned perpendicularly to the old ones, providing a contrast to the original brick while evoking the site’s industrial past. Their presence introduces a new, smooth flow through a series of landscaped courtyards of varying sizes, maintaining the interconnected nature of the site. The apartments respect the original architecture by placing their exterior spaces inside the facades, creating a balance between preservation and modernity.
The buildings in the project are designed with a CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) structure, an eco-friendly material that promotes sustainability and reduces the carbon footprint. The building volumes are simple, timeless, and modern, with clean lines that integrate seamlessly into the natural landscape of the Luxembourg countryside. The facades of the buildings combine brick and solid wood, creating harmony between tradition and innovation. This combination of materials adds a warm and welcoming atmosphere to the ensemble, while respecting the environment. The project is designed to provide comfortable and functional housing, offering a pleasant and sustainable living environment. It meets contemporary needs while blending harmoniously with its surroundings. This development aims to offer a living space where sustainability and comfort meet, while being mindful of preserving the natural surroundings.
