De Natie

Commissioned by a private investor, a block of new offices and apartments has been built close to the new court building in the south of Antwerp. The buildings’ boundary lies within an historical inner courtyard between Gijzelaarstraat and Vlaamse Kaai in Antwerp. The project attempts –through its façades and its connection with the inner courtyard– to fit effortlessly within this significant part of Antwerp South. The façade’s structure, the system of openings, the use of limited materials and a sensitivity to its setting within the courtyard all help to integrate the project into its context. At the same time every floor gets its own, large sun terrace. The shell construction was conceived in such a way that the shell could also function as a finished state. This strategy saves material and time and results in a more economical building without effecting quality and at the same time enhancing flexibility and sustainability. Whilst the building suites the current tenant’s needs perfectly, it offers a wide range of possibilities for later generations.