Urban Context
Located in the revitalized and vibrant station district of Kortrijk, this sleek and timeless multifunctional office building, originally constructed in the 1970s, no longer met contemporary standards for sustainability and energy efficiency. The project involved an environmentally friendly expansion of the building’s volume and to create a fit-for-purpose, multifunctional office space. 

Project Scope
The design brief encompassed a modern and future-proof office building that meets contemporary aesthetic expectations while also addressing several technical requirements. One key requirement was fire safety, which necessitated the installation of fire-resistant flanges on the façade in order to prevent the spread of fire between floors. This technical element got seamlessly integrated into the design as a continuous grid across the entire façade, giving the building a unique and distinctive character.

Design
The architecture unmistakably reflects our studio’s signature fascination with functional, graphic grid structures as the foundation for a harmonious composition. To achieve this, the existing volume was completely stripped down to its most essential core. Subsequently, three additional floors were constructed on the third level, but only across half of the façade’s width. This approach resulted not only in a visually slimmer and more elegant building but also created space for a green rooftop garden.

Materials
The materialization of the building pays homage to the modernist office buildings found in cities like New York and Chicago. Its façade features black lacquered aluminum flanges, creating a clean grid structure. These flanges are complemented by travertine columns, with all remaining sections fully glazed. This combo results in a harmonious interplay between solid and transparent elements, highlighting the building’s timeless aesthetic.