The Master Plan was drawn up in collaboration with the municipality of Anderlecht and regional authorities. It follows the objectives of the Canal du Midi neighbourhood contract, and was elaborated in synergy with other projects planned for the area. The project is intended to revitalise the district and surrounding area, and to ensure the restoration of the blue and green network with sustainable biodiversity in view.
Context
The site is at a crucial location that marks the entrance to Brussels, hence the focus of this new development is on sustainable, ecological and exemplary building, as well as on high-quality infrastructure. The project is actively involved in sustainable urban development through intensive use of the areas just outside the city centre, close to public transport and existing labour pools. A large number of initiatives to improve the quality of life in and around this area are under way. The “Canal du Midi” neighbourhood agreement calls for initiatives such as vegetable gardens and neighbourhood restaurants. The project provides spaces for shops, meeting places, communal gardens and common areas to organise group activities.
The relationships between its future residents, and contact with the future neighbourhood, are two criteria considered for the positioning of the living areas in this project: they take favourable orientations into account in order to maximise the quality of life in the apartments. However, it is not only the orientation of living spaces that is important, but also the vitality of the inner block and its relationship with nearby streets.
Architecture
An outer skin of brick as the façade material was a resolute choice, such that the project integrates into its surroundings and also allows it to stand the test of time.
Three individual blocks will be built, divided by two separate entrances. The three wings will each have their own organisation and housing typology.
In this way, the fl ow of the various gabarits is enhanced and a wide view into the inner area is created. The master-plan for the reconstruction of streets provides for more greenery and more space for pedestrians, which is refl ected in the way corners are handled.
Engineering
The residents receive comfortable, highly energy-effi cient homes, a central courtyard that caters for many activities, a pleasant internal circulating area and meeting places.
All the homes will be ecological: 30% are zero-energy homes and 20% of the electricity will be generated from renewable energy sources.
The best compromise in terms of aesthetics, durability and environmental impact is always kept fi rmly in mind in the choice of materials used. Furthermore, construction will be to an airtightness of n50 and 0.6, and the amount of waste will be minimised. The large green courtyard allows a CBS level of 0.6 to be achieved. The use of tapwater will be limited. Rainwater will be collected and stored.
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