De Konincksite, Antwerp, Belgium

The De Konincksite project is located on the border of Antwerp and Berchem, on the edge of Albert Park. Around the existing city brewery, this area is developing into a fordable 'crafts area' (with a lively programme of small shops) and a residential superstructure (with a hotel and flats).
Originally, the adjoining plot with the city brewery (the 'mother site' as it were) was criss-crossed by alleyways and squares. The present design aims to retain that concept and even reinforce it between the three building blocks. This creates a network of patios and new public spaces, which create a highly permeable plinth. It follows that the all-sidedness of the plot will be achieved through volumetry and design. Building blocks are not given a real 'back'. Each side is given the design attention, detailing and perception of a front. Frontages fold completely around a building block. They continue their game of terraces on all sides. In this way, the 'back sides' also enter into active dialogue with the bustling inner area via footbridges.
The rising façades of the three blocks will be realised in a light red tone, a reference but also a variation on the red brick architecture of the industrial heritage on the neighbouring site. The façade joinery will be made of natural-coloured aluminium.
Client
Triple living nv/ LIFE nv
Architects
Robbrecht en Daem architecten
Program
A fordable 'crafts area' with a residential superstructure
Location
Antwerp, Belgium
Date
2021–…
Status
Ongoing
Floor Area
5024 m2
Team
Paul Robbrecht, Hilde Daem, Johannes Robbrecht, Tine Bulckaen, Charles De Muynck, Ken Standaert, Ines Verbiese, Natalija Stojić
Masterplan
Studiegroep Omgeving
Project Manager
The Brewer’s Daughter
Structural Engineering
Ingenieursbureau Concreet
Services Engineering
Gebotec
Acoustics
Scala Consultants
Building Physics
Pi-consult
Landscape
Studiegroep Omgeving
Developer
Triple living nv/ LIFE nv