Ter Leenen
This project consists of two balancing acts: how to architecturally complete a messy context and how to spatially surpass the limiting rules for residential care? The new units (54) are kneaded into a nimble trident volume nesting an extra 4.400m² on a site that is virtually full. This extreme test case for a necessary densification, results in a spatial contortion act. The ensuing counter mal condition caters for a wide range of frictitious spaces vis-à-vis the existing gardens and the neighboring plots. Inside the care amenity an open network of over-scaled hallways leads to different living quarters. For the residents’ rooms a doubling concept is proposed (fully complying with the official m² limitations). The ‘double room’ type consists of a day and night quarter, offering a necessary variation in atmospheres and levels of privacy. Large sliding doors enable the residents to expand their private space into the hallway. The volume’s façade cladding strengthens the volumetric ‘contortion’ concept. Deep red enamel bricks reflect and blur the arbitrary built context, the luscious landscaping and the Belgian skies.