Located along Antwerp’s inner ring road, the headquarters of the city council’s education service is a complete conversion of an existing 1970’s office block that strives to connect with the historic buildings of the neighbourhood.
Designed by HUB Architects, the architectural concept is a subtle three-part intervention with a plinth, middle section and superstructure above. An intermediate cornice matches the height of adjacent buildings.
The building’s existing concrete shell was retained and combined with a new, sustainable façade constructed formed from prefabricated wooden infill elements that are clad in lightweight anodised folded aluminium. The cladding is the same shade as the stone of the neighbouring buildings. A new superstructure on the roof, made of CLT houses public meeting rooms and provides optimal views.
On the main floor is a reception area, learning centre and cafeteria. Above this, flexible floorplans of offices and meeting areas are organized around a central core.
Additional greening has been undertaken by clearing interior portions of the site. Further to this, the roof of the site’s existing car park has been converted to a new roof garden.
