Transformation of social housing in Tornooiveld in Evere

Bringing sense to architecture
Using “sustainable” as a buzz word simply isn’t enough. A building envelope isn’t just a wrapper. It is a reflection of an era in which energy concerns take pride of place when designing projects. These concerns are not limited to a purely technical sphere. Works have to make sense, and be a sign of their times.
Turning balconies into terraces or loggias revalues the space between the exterior and interior limits of the building. Here, sense comes from use. Extending the kitchens and terraces/conservatories underlines the modernist character of the building, through strong expressiveness and systematic repetition.
An interpretation of the existing buildings brought to light the stylistic ambivalence of their architecture. The renovation project pursues this ambivalence. However, this time it does so consciously, and is legitimated by the value of usage (conservatory/kitchen extension) and technical aspects (protecting the plastering on the ground level, a plinth system).

Environmental options
The first objective of the renovation of these buildings was to convert the tower blocks in Avenue de l’Optimisme and Avenue Destrier into low-energy buildings. To achieve this aim, the project provides for complete insulation of the façades, roofs and the ground floor of the buildings, and replacing the frames. From a technical standpoint, a row of solar hot water panels provide hot water for sanitary use and for ad-hoc heating.

Architectural options
The second aim was to redesign the exterior spaces (loggias and terraces) to offer solutions that respond to the needs of the tenants. Visiting different apartments enabled us to develop a differentiated strategy for each building.