Located at the edge of the Maalbeek Valley, this site, divided by major infrastructure, is perfect for a strategic urban renewal project to mend the urban fracture between low and high Ixelles. Together with the 'Entre Deux Ponts' project (V+ architects), it aims to transform the gloomy space between the Gray-Kroon bridge and the railway bridge into a more lively passage.

The prominent building, once part of a quartet at the Gray-Kroon bridge, can play a significant community role by transforming the historical building (a former private residence) into a meaningful space for expression and creation.

A no-nonsense strategy was proposed, addressing essential infrastructure and stability, fire safety, circulation, accessibility and acoustics allowing for future evolution of the building and growth of the program. The existing townhouse structure with its distinctive room typology is enhanced and adapted for public use. The main floor is versatile and accessible, hosting various community driven activities. The basement and upper floors house expression rooms, offices and meeting rooms, a recording studio,... The attic provides a unique space for activities like film screenings, workshops, or community events.

The garden, with its strong topography, will be made accessible, offering a hidden gem for residents of Ixelles. Two generous staircases connect the garden to Rue Gray and Avenue Couronne forming an additional link between the two streets. To attract diverse users "magnets" or key interventions are introduced. A landscape theater provides a natural, amphitheater-like space for performances and relaxation. A ‘Belvedere’ offers outdoor space in connection to a flexible indoor space on the minus 2 level, and is ideal for small receptions, morning yoga, or a communal kitchen, artist residencies,… Open and active zones will balance with quiet, dense areas to support the site's ecological and experiential qualities.

This concise renovation strategy transforms the historical building and beautiful site into a dynamic, inclusive space that serves the community's evolving needs while respecting its architectural heritage.

Location: Ixelles, BE | Program: Urban centre for expression and creation | Year: 2023-... | Client: Municipality of Ixelles | Status: Competition 1st prize, project ongoing | Task: Design – execution landscape and architecture | Budget: €500.000 (arch) + €600.000 (landsc) | Size: ca.500m² | Collaboration: Fallow + Studio Lauka | Structure: Labeau | Climate: Studie 10 | Acoustics: Bureau De Fonseca | People: Matthias Salaets, Michaël Stas, Carmen Van Maercke, Frédéric Kancel