MEENEN

Renovation and extension of an apartment 

Description: Renovation and extension of an appartement into a duplex
Type of project: Housing
Type of customer: Private
Department: Transformation and renovation
Location: Saint-Gilles, Brussels (BE)
Surface area: 309m²
Year: 2011-2013

Halfway between the Saint-Gilles barrier and the prison, the Mauritius van Meenen square is characterized by high and wealthy buildings trying to compete with the massive town hall with its highly elaborated features. Located on the ground floor of a Brussels typical building renovated in the 90s, the apartment was already relatively modern and attractive. However, the idea was to extend it in order to add 3 rooms to the existing space. In close contact with the outside, the extension, entirely glazed on the ground floor, fits completely into the garden / terrace that can be accessed from the living room by a gateway. This gateway is overhanging a landscaping arrangement that gives light to the 3d sleeping room located in the basement. All spaces (as well as the bathroom placed at the centre of traditional 3 adjoining rooms) are facing the natural light, responding in this way to the main challenge of apartments located on the ground floor and basement.