Updating an apartment building

Built in 1961 opposite the former Ixelles gendarmerie school (now Usquare), this building was originally designed to house the "married gendarmes" working on the other side of the street. The building completed a composite block that was finally closed in 1977. The curiosity of this building lies in its inverted typology - the entrances are all located at the heart of the block via an internal alleyway - which makes it a through block along its length.

After a few years of precarious occupation - allowing a precise inventory to be made of all the materials - followed by a period of full-scale tests on the different types of flat, it is now undergoing a measured renovation as a pilot project in the circular economy and reuse. This is a carefully thought-out process that will enable the project's hypotheses to be verified as it progresses. The approach is based on the formula of K. Berghmans and B. Robles Hidalgo's phrase "Maintenance as architecture", asserting that instead of focusing on design and innovation, current architectural practice could be conceived as the maintenance and "care" of existing buildings. This act of sobriety through the choice of targeted and considered interventions is an economic and environmental commitment.

The updating of the interior accentuates the through-going aspect of the flats in a rational way by opening up the interior spaces and enlarging the loggias. These are used more effectively, with a clearer "day/night" division. In addition, we have taken advantage of elements that are still in good condition, such as the aluminium frames, the built-in kitchen furniture and all types of finishes and equipment that can be reused.

Work on the limits of intervention and analysis of existing qualities are at the heart of the thought process to limit incoming and outgoing materials. During the construction phase, the site acts as an exchange platform: if the materials are not re-used or diverted in situ, they are evacuated to re-use channels and replaced by materials from similar circuits.