Service flats Steen

Client: Naya nv
Location: Steenokkerzeel
Realization: 2017 – 2020
Design team: Tom Verschueren, David Driesen, Nandi Degrave
Structural engineer: Planet Engineering
Engineer Techniques: Theo Boons bv
Photography: Johnny Umans
Size: 32 assisted living apartments


The residence is located in Steenokkerzeel. The town center of Steenokkerzeel used to be very busy in terms of traffic due to developments and expansions around Zaventem airport and therefore consisted mostly of businesses. By moving the traffic around the center, the town center has become a pleasant place to live again. In the meantime, the municipality has also taken a number of initiatives to make the town center attractive, including the building of a new library. In addition to the existing church square, a new square will be soon built next to the new library and the municipal school. The project Steen will serve as a catalyst and redefine the edges of the future square.

Steen consists of 32 assisted living apartments with a semi-public garden that is connected to the town center. Because of the openness of the site, the residents are involved in the village life and vice versa. The majestic and straightforward building is made of sand-colored brick, referring to the 16th – 17th century town architecture, such as the church tower. Facing the street and the new town square there are loggias that can be used by the residents as a covered terrace or as an extension of the living space. They function as a transitional space between the public and private space. The terraces facing the semi-public space are balconies. They contribute to the liveliness of the semi-public garden.
The plinth of the building was opened up with a commercial area and a multifunctional space that contribute to the social interaction between the residents. A cafeteria, accessible to everyone, a fitness room and a vegetable garden also add to the building’s collectivity. Inside, there is a system of corridors and hallways that are interpreted as inner streets with glass inner doors and windows, stimulating social contact.

Steen consists of 32 assisted living apartments with a semi-public garden that is connected to the town center. Because of the openness of the site, the residents are involved in the village life and vice versa. The majestic and straightforward building is made of sand-colored brick, referring to the 16th – 17th century town architecture, such as the church tower. Facing the street and the new town square there are loggias that can be used by the residents as a covered terrace or as an extension of the living space. They function as a transitional space between the public and private space. The terraces facing the semi-public space are balconies. They contribute to the liveliness of the semi-public garden.
The plinth of the building was opened up with a commercial area and a multifunctional space that contribute to the social interaction between the residents. A cafeteria, accessible to everyone, a fitness room and a vegetable garden also add to the building’s collectivity. Inside, there is a system of corridors and hallways that are interpreted as inner streets with glass inner doors and windows, stimulating social contact.