Moleneiland

Moleneiland

2015

Location

Harelbeke, Belgium

Client

Private investor

Typology

Heritage, Residential, Offices, Masterplan, Landscaping

Size

15.447 m²

Status

Competition

The project responds to the historical qualities of the old Flower Mill and how it was formerly positioned in its context. The original masterplan did not take these qualities into account and ensured that the historic building was subordinate to the future development.

Our proposal uses the historical quality and divides the three proposed masses into smaller volumes to create more public and communal space. Due to this spatial intervention the Flower Mill gets its historical views back and forms an anchor point within the project.

Living is organized in 5 volumes as to create views towards and from the old Flower Mill. The industrial heritage will be converted into offices on the first two floors for Waterwegen en Zeekanalen. The upper floors will be converted into residential units. The balconies are the only new additions to the exterior appearance of the building which defines the new character of the building.

The water is imbedded in the project. It connects and opens the project towards its surroundings highlighting the industrial heritage and connects the new development with respect.