Architectural Cases

Atelier Tom Vanhee has skillfully transformed a historic Brussels townhouse into a modern dual residence. This architectural endeavor, completed in 2024, meticulously preserved the building's inherent character while introducing updated living arrangements. Spanning an expansive 347 square meters, the project focused on integrating contemporary functionalities without compromising the structural integrity or aesthetic appeal of the original construction. The design skillfully navigates the challenges of revitalizing an older building, ensuring that its historical essence remains palpable within a fresh, innovative framework.

Atelier Tom Vanhee Completes Dual Residence Project in Brussels

In the vibrant city of Brussels, a notable architectural transformation was finalized in 2024 by Atelier Tom Vanhee. The project involved the thoughtful conversion of a traditional townhouse into a dual residence, a process that demanded a delicate balance between preservation and modernization. The original structure, featuring three main stories, an attic, a basement, and a rear extension with an intermediate floor, now seamlessly accommodates two distinct living units. A crucial aspect of this renovation was the commitment to retaining the building's distinctive historical elements. Throughout the renovation, characteristic interior joinery, elegant ceiling moldings, and authentic wooden plank floors were carefully preserved, allowing these features to continue defining the building's unique charm. The ground floor of the refurbished residence now opens directly onto a private, enclosed garden, offering residents a tranquil outdoor retreat. This project, overseen by Atelier Tom Vanhee, showcases a harmonious blend of historical respect and modern architectural vision.

This renovation project by Atelier Tom Vanhee in Brussels serves as an inspiring example of how historical buildings can be reimagined for contemporary needs without sacrificing their original beauty and character. It underscores the potential for adaptive reuse in urban environments, demonstrating that old structures can be given new life through thoughtful design and meticulous preservation efforts. The successful integration of modern amenities with historical features encourages architects and urban planners to consider innovative approaches for sustainable development and the conservation of architectural heritage, proving that the past and present can coexist beautifully and functionally.

The De Piek Waterfront Residential Tower, a prominent development by KCAP, marks a significant step in the urban renewal of Feijenoord Island in Rotterdam. This 74-meter-tall structure is poised to convert a previously underutilized industrial zone into a dynamic waterfront destination. Slated for completion in 2025, the tower will house 142 apartments and feature a ground-floor cafe, creating a vibrant nexus where residents and the public can converge. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the former industrial area, fostering a lively urban quarter that integrates residential, commercial, and public functions, thereby re-establishing a vital connection between the city and its riverfront. De Piek stands as the inaugural project in a series of planned developments, showcasing the area's potential for future transformation and embodying a fusion of industrial heritage with contemporary urban vitality.

Standing as a 74-meter beacon, De Piek represents a strategic urban catalyst for Feijenoord Island. Its construction directly addresses the need to rejuvenate a neglected parking area, transforming it into a bustling waterfront center. The project's design thoughtfully incorporates 142 modern apartments, providing much-needed housing in a rapidly evolving district. Beyond residential units, a welcoming ground-floor cafe is envisioned to open the quay to public engagement, fostering a sense of community and accessibility that was previously absent.

The tower's location, strategically adjacent to the Piek bridge, positions it as a key element in Rotterdam's ambitious urban revitalization efforts. This larger vision seeks to re-imagine the former industrial landscape as a mixed-use urban quarter, where living, working, and leisure activities seamlessly coexist. By introducing a diverse range of functions, De Piek aims to create an environment that encourages interaction, relaxation, and a renewed appreciation for the city's relationship with its waterways. This transformative project is a testament to the potential for architectural innovation to drive meaningful urban change, setting a precedent for future developments in the area.

De Piek serves as a pioneering example of how thoughtful architectural design can act as a powerful urban catalyst. It not only provides housing but also revitalizes public spaces, integrates commercial activity, and redefines the connection between the city and its waterfront. This project, set to be completed in 2025, is more than just a building; it's a blueprint for a more integrated, vibrant, and sustainable urban future for Rotterdam's Feijenoord Island.