Concept The project is a new housing complex of 34 high-standard apartments from 1 to 3 bedrooms. It is located in a valley floor between the so-called plateau Avijl and Kauwberg, two high-value ecological sites of Uccle (a Brussels' District). This is a very sensitive situation at the articulation of urban and rural spaces and the border of a protected natural site. Our proposal was to reinforce the existing connections with the landscape. Its formal expression is based on a sound analysis of the site topography and the morphology of the built surrounding.
The apartments are organized into those two main buildings (with four floors each) around a common garden. This disposition offers a high permeability from the public space to the central garden and the open natural space of the Kauwberg in the background. It also generates a large panel of different apartments that enjoy generous roof terraces, balcony and private gardens.
The facades are composed so to echo the random yet regular principles of natural patterns : the elegant windows alternate with sober light gray masonry in an non define but strict rhythm while the aluminum balcony are inspired by the surrounding bamboo motive.
The two main volumes of the project slope down from the street in the direction of the Kauwberg and melt into it the landscape as the green-roofs' gardens rejoin the soil. The project is conceived as a continuous unfolding movement that weaves the urban constructions with their natural environment.
Sustainability Sustainability was at the core of our reflexions. The impermeability of the site has been reduced from 82% to 45% and even reduced to 10% if we consider the surfaces of the green roofs. In addition to their aesthetic qualities, planted roofs constitue a good additionnal thermal insulation. They contribute to reduce the surrounding CO2 and help to protect the roof. All the chosen material have a long lifespan and need light maintenance.
