Mixed-Use Development Van Praet

Vuurkruisenlaan, Brussels
2021 - 2025

Near the Van Praet Bridge in Brussels, a new neighborhood is being planned between the port area and the center of Neder-Over-Heembeek. The project reshapes the volumes provided by the master plan and shifts them towards the edge of a park, allowing the park to expand significantly as a result.

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Two compact 'ensembles' provide backing to the park: a school complex consisting of two schools and a sports hall, and a composition of four residential buildings. A wide variety of housing typologies—ranging from simplex to triplex, with double-height spaces, voids, and spacious terraces—are arranged around a private courtyard. Workshops are planned on the ground floor.

An urban ensemble

Transformative action +

An urban ensemble

When developing collective housing projects, the market offer almost always consists of the same typologies: simplex flats with one or two bedrooms and a traditional plan layout. Single-oriented units with (too) limited private outdoor space are still commonplace.

The Van Praet project unequivocally takes a different approach. Four volumes of different sizes are precisely positioned together and enclose a collective inner garden. 

The typological variety is enriched with duplex and triplex dwellings containing one to five bedrooms. A substantial proportion of the homes are integrally accessible from the outset for people with reduced mobility. The park-facing homes can be linked to the manufacturing companies in the plinth to create studio homes.

Each dwelling has at least two orientations. The plans are conceived as corner flats, enfilade typologies and 'sun-through' apartments. Generous terraces and double-height voids guarantee high living quality.

Collective spaces in the plinth reinforce the residential community, which will be very diverse thanks to the typological mix. Young and old will find their place there, people will live and work there.

In collaboration with

51N4E, V+

Consultants

Macobo, Greisch, Aldrik Heirman, Ara, De Fonseca, Natura Mater

Location

Vuurkruisenlaan, Brussels

Type

Competition, 1st prize

Program

ca. 110 residences and landscaping

Timing

2021 - ...

Surface

14.500m2

Budget

€ 27.000.000

Status

Tender phase

"The winning proposal demonstrates a thoughtful design that takes into account its surroundings and manages to utilise and enhance its existing qualities. The project strikes a fine balance between functionality, liveability and sustainability."

Factsheet BMA Brussels