Residence Waterkant

Architecture of texture

Residence Waterkant is located on the Tichelrij near the River Dijle in Mechelen. This neighborhood has a very rich history due to its location by the river and was likely the birthplace of the production of “tichels” (paved tiles), which could be directly transported via the water. During the time when Mechelen was the epicenter of Europe, the area housed grand residences, but these were wiped out during World War II by a mistaken English bombing raid. In the 1950s, the site was filled with an apartment building and a workshop for the Geys construction company. According to the design by dmvA, the industrial inner area was cleared, creating an opportunity to respond to the development of the nearby Lamot site.

Residence Waterkant consists of three building volumes with 35 residential units and an underground parking garage. Instead of designing one large block, the goal was to achieve lightness in the project. The buildings vary in height, and the inner area was opened up. By having the volumes interact with the boundary walls, interesting outdoor spaces were created. The buildings are linked by two water patios, which, together with the nearby Dijle, realize the concept of “living by and around water.” The site is accessible via two entrances, which provide circulation while also creating sightlines from the street to the interior and vice versa. The brick facades in the inner area feature a fine white aluminum mesh structure as a double skin, filtering light and providing protection from the sun. Together with the water patios, this structure acts as a climate regulator, preventing overheating in summer. The volumes are designed with a play of bricks, combined with the aluminum latticework, creating an architecture of textures. The residence offers a variety of living options, with apartments of different sizes, making it a pleasant place for everyone to live by the water, within walking distance of the city center.