The Roastery is a residential renovation project situated in the historic centre of Antwerp, on Steegsken, within walking distance of the river side and the city centre. The project was developed by NEW (Nieuwe Eigen Woning) and involves the thorough renovation and extension of a characterful existing building. Within this project, OSQB acted as the project architect, taking responsibility for the technical development of the design and supervising the construction work.

The project was driven by the ambition to breathe new life into an existing urban building whilst preserving its historical qualities as much as possible. During the preparatory works, it became apparent that the existing structure was in a poorer condition than originally estimated, making a more thorough renovation necessary. These findings also presented an opportunity to further optimize the building in terms of quality of living, sustainability and technical performance.

The redevelopment resulted in a compact residential project comprising three high-quality residential units: two flats and one duplex flat. By limiting the number of residential units compared to the original planning permission, a greater variety of living spaces could be offered and living comfort was significantly enhanced. The duplex flat was completed with a private terrace on the top floor, carefully integrated into the existing roof shape and architecture of the building.

Particular attention was paid to the preservation and restoration of the historic street facade. The characteristic architecture was respected and, where possible, restored to its original appearance. The new additions were deliberately designed to be understated, with a zinc mansard roof and a carefully chosen palette of materials that blends in with the existing buildings without overpowering their historic character. As a result, the building has been updated in a contemporary way whilst remaining firmly rooted in its urban environment.

Sustainability also played a key role in the project. The extensive renovation made it possible to comply with current rainwater regulations by integrating a rainwater harvesting system for reuse. In addition, both the new mansard roof and the communal patio were designed as green roofs, contributing not only to water retention and biodiversity but also to the building’s thermal comfort.

An additional quality of the project is the expansion of the former inner courtyard into a green, communal outdoor space situated above the underground car park. This patio provides a tranquil area for residents to spend time and creates a valuable open space within the dense urban block.

With The Roastery, OSQB contributed to the sustainable revitalization of a characterful Antwerp townhouse, combining respect for the existing heritage with modern living comfort, technical optimization, and high-quality integration into the historic city center.