Client:
Vives Zuid vzw
Location:
Kortrijk
Realization:
2015 – 2017
Design team:
David Driesen, Tom Verschueren, Ruben Van den Hove, An-Sofie De Backer
Structural engineer:
ASB
Engineer Techniques:
DWE
Photography:
Luca Beel
Size:
3021,1 m²
The site with the historical farm is transformed into a living annex of the existing school campus with the goal to stimulate the synergy between the academic world and business. Within this context the assignment goes beyond renovating and transforming the existing buildings, the public space is also involved in the design. The project is a cross-fertilization between a renovation and restoration attitude based on respect for the historically valuable heritage and the subtle new additions that increase the usability and comfort. In terms of landscape the duality of the site is strengthened: the green space can be used as a picnic field; the courtyard gets the allure of an urban activity square with a new cantilevering canopy. The design of the new interventions creates a dialogue between old and new.
Green lung versus activity square
The urban concept anticipates the preservation of the typical landscape elements such as meadow, orchard, pond… The green southwestern orchard and meadow are developed into a park with picnic area for students. The square farm place, surrounded by the barn, the stables and the farm house respectively, gets the allure of an urban activity square. A new cantilevering canopy in the form of a ‘tree leaf’ is a subtle eye catcher that engages in a dialogue with his historical surroundings and should become the ‘speakers’ corner’ of Kortrijk.
Building well-being and vitality management: ‘einraumen’ through three light shafts
Inherent to the existing building is the enclosed character, the dark spaces and the structural repetitive construction. Because the well-being department needs discretion and privacy, light and air are created through the addition of three vertical light shafts covered with a glass roof window, which allow the light to penetrate up till the center of the building. In addition, the light is drawn through a number of perforations in the façade. Inside, new stairs in reinforced concrete are provided for evacuation and access to the attic and to improve the circulation.
Vlashoeve: barn and stables: rehabilitation!
During the renovation works of the Vlashoeve in the late 70’s and early 80’s, the barn was divided into boxes, making the beautiful open space no longer perceptible. The functions in the building were therefore moved internally so that the additions of the 70’s and 80’s could be taken down again. The new entrance of the administrative wing is located centrally between the barn and the stables. A detached volume, with sanitary and lockers, structures the circulation between the stables and the barn. The stables are renovated into separate offices and meeting rooms. In deliberate places, new glazing is provided that improves the comfort inside and strengthens the relationship with the environment. The barn is renovated and is used as a polyvalent hall. Two new stairs ensure safe access to the attic which can be used as extra workspaces and meeting rooms. The interior is basic, a bit ‘brutalist’ and sometimes minimalistic. New additions are painted in white to create a dialogue between old and new. New additions at the outside are in black lacquered metal and the exterior woodwork is constructed from black lacquered steel profiles with glued glazing.
Building well-being and vitality management: ‘einraumen’ through three light shafts
Inherent to the existing building is the enclosed character, the dark spaces and the structural repetitive construction. Because the well-being department needs discretion and privacy, light and air are created through the addition of three vertical light shafts covered with a glass roof window, which allow the light to penetrate up till the center of the building. In addition, the light is drawn through a number of perforations in the façade. Inside, new stairs in reinforced concrete are provided for evacuation and access to the attic and to improve the circulation.
Vlashoeve: barn and stables: rehabilitation!
During the renovation works of the Vlashoeve in the late 70’s and early 80’s, the barn was divided into boxes, making the beautiful open space no longer perceptible. The functions in the building were therefore moved internally so that the additions of the 70’s and 80’s could be taken down again. The new entrance of the administrative wing is located centrally between the barn and the stables. A detached volume, with sanitary and lockers, structures the circulation between the stables and the barn. The stables are renovated into separate offices and meeting rooms. In deliberate places, new glazing is provided that improves the comfort inside and strengthens the relationship with the environment. The barn is renovated and is used as a polyvalent hall. Two new stairs ensure safe access to the attic which can be used as extra workspaces and meeting rooms. The interior is basic, a bit ‘brutalist’ and sometimes minimalistic. New additions are painted in white to create a dialogue between old and new. New additions at the outside are in black lacquered metal and the exterior woodwork is constructed from black lacquered steel profiles with glued glazing.