When the social-services department of a central Brussels municipality bought the contaminated 70,000-square-foot site of a former soap factory in 2005, it established a competition for the design of subsidized apartments. The winning plan by a local firm, MDW Architecture, retains the industrial flavor of the property, which dates back to the 18th century, but transforms it into a sustainable oasis of 42 middle-income rentals grouped around three private courtyards. Named for its precursor, the Savonnerie Heymans is now a model public-housing complex that provides shared green spaces and amenities in a dense but underserved neighborhood on the rebound that is populated by a mix of young people and immigrants, mainly from North and Sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Europe.
Project architect Gilles Debrun calls the Savonnerie Heymans “a village” that offers protected space for interaction in an otherwise cramped urban setting. Once hidden behind four derelict houses (now demolished), the complex still presents a discreet face to the street—but a welcoming one. All you see from outside is its recessed entrance gate and new community day-care center with tall, playful windows, some in bright colors. An inviting glazed back wall here allows views through to a small garden behind it called the “mini-forest,” which sits on top of the residents' underground parking garage.
You have 0 complimentary articles remaining.
Unlimited access + premium benefits for as low as $1.99/month.