Frans Masereel Centrum

Frans Masereel Centrum

2021

Location

Kasterlee

Client

Department Cultuur, Jeugd en Media Vlaamse Overheid

Typology

Culture, Residential, Public, Landscape

Size

Built Area
Landscape

Status

Tendering

Patnerships

FRANTZEN et al, TECH3, Denkbar, Land9, Kubiek

Along a new meandering path, the building forms the connection between four other circular buildings. Different shading, planting and design create unique relaxation areas around the building that are accessible from the collective kitchen and living space. 

The individual living areas on the floors are designed in such a way that a multi-purpose space is created on each corner in each residential unit, with a view of the surroundings. 

As a building for the Flemish Government, the GRO sustainability meter serves as a guideline from sketch design to final design. commissioning for a future-proof building. This includes the creation of a materials passport and LCA analysis. The techniques also started from a low-tech perspective: the terraces that wrap around the protected volume drastically reduce the risk of overheating. 

The primary wooden beams carry from a CLT core (in which the bathrooms curve around a central pipe duct) to three metal rings on the outside of the building. This means that all interior and exterior walls are non-load-bearing and therefore all floors can be divided freely and independently of each other. The supporting structure was designed for ease and non-destructive disassembly on all levels. 

As a pilot project in the Green Deal Circular Construction, the materials of the buildings to be replaced were analyzed for reusability. The roof slates will be reused as facade cladding and the cobblestones are processed as accessible paving after being sawn. All new materials were selected for biobased properties and reversible connections.