11/06/2026

Three new buildings are planned, each with as many identical housing types as possible. The complex consists of three buildings that form a unified whole on a low plinth: a long slab along Noorderlaan (which also functions as a noise barrier), a taller building set back from the front, and a lower structure on the northern edge. The space on the low plinth between the three buildings of the complex serves as a viewing platform overlooking the park. The space is accessible to everyone and neutral enough not to be completely appropriated by residents.

On the facades bordering the inner courtyard, a two-story plinth will be constructed. Together with the trees in the semi-public space, this introduces a different scale: here, the slab breaks up into three buildings facing each other on a human scale. Above the plinth, the buildings become more abstract, with a strong emphasis on the repetition of windows.

Given the depth of the underground parking garage to be constructed, a secant pile wall was chosen. This wall also serves as the foundation for the outer portion of the homes. To reduce the thickness and reinforcement of the secant pile wall, ground anchors were installed. A 25-cm-thick concrete wall will be cast against the secant pile wall to ensure the basement is watertight. The partition wall between the residential units on the ground floor will be constructed as a concrete wall girder. These transfer the loads to the columns below. To improve acoustic and thermal insulation, a masonry wall and insulation will be added. The walls of the lower floors of the apartment blocks are constructed of reinforced concrete to provide the necessary load-bearing capacity. The top three floors of the apartment blocks and the top two floors of the single-family homes are constructed of load-bearing masonry.

Client

Woonhaven Antwerpen

Location

Antwerp

Description

New construction of public housing.

Surface

11.480 m²

Engagement

Structural stability study

Design

Collectief Noord

Fase

Completion – 2021

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