D’oude vesting
Former police headquarters makes way for a green housing project
D’Oude Vesting: former police headquarters make way for a green housing project
This exceptional residential project is located in the heart of Kortrijk, just around the corner from the Grote Markt and within walking distance of the train station. The project is well located in the historic city centre, on the site of the former police station. The project is located within the city’s cycling zone and fully enjoys the proximity of public transport, schools, shops, banks, restaurants, cafés… The location could not be more urban, and yet a lot of greenery is provided, in the form of approx. 300 m2 of green roofs and roof gardens, a total equivalent to almost 40% of the site.
| Client | Antonissen Project Management |
| Architect | TM Link Lab & Markland |
| Interior Design | Stay Studio |
| Engineering | Peritas |
| Contractors | To be decided |
| Building permit | December 2019 |
| Construction | Foreseen 2020-2022 |
| Location | Kortrijk |
| Surface | ca. 810 m² |
The site connects the Oude Vestingstraat with the Jan Persijnstraat. The starting point is a responsible renewal of this urban site. The ground floor connects the project to the urban fabric: pedestrians and cyclists can cross the site through the pleasant passage along an extended display windows of the commercial space.
The project is divided into four volumes to ensure an optimal integration in the vertical articulation of the historical city centre. Each volume differs in height, depth and identity. This division is followed through in the internal organisation of the plan. Hence, an architectural and typological diversity is created within the project, while the design restores the characteristic vertical streetscape of the centre.
- Along the J. Persijnstraat the superstructure consists of 6 apartments, 2 per floor. They are all ‘sun-through’ types, with living spaces facing both the street and the inner courtyard in order to enjoy both optimal sunlight and the urban vibrancy of the street.
- Along the Oude Vestingstraat there are 3 apartments per floor, a total of 12. Two of these are also ‘sun-through’ types, the third is slightly smaller and faces the street side, which is also the sunny side.
Due to the layout of the apartments and the treatment of all facades, the buildings do not have the typical ‘back façade’ but consist only of front
The palette of materials consists of white concrete and light grey brickwork, which contrast with the bronze finishings and joinery. The apartments enjoy plenty of natural light and pleasant views. The central courtyard is designed as a restful green space in the city. The penthouse apartments have roof terraces and gardens, with beautiful views over the Grote Markt, the Belfry and the Schouwburgplein.
The project is an example of inner-city reconversion. The existing basement will be reused. The vacant building from the 1960s will be replaced by a contemporary, energy-efficient building. The new interpretation provides as much urban greenery as possible, with a varying substrate depth to allow divers vegetation and landscaping. In addition to offering a pleasant view and calming character, these green zones also have a cooling effect and contribute to the absorption of CO2 and the filtering of fine dust. A small urban oasis in the heart of Kortrijk.
