Workhouse de Scheepvaart in Schoten, Belgium by HUB

Article source: HUB

The workhouse is part of a complex situated alongside the canal which has a very original and distinct character thanks to its special typology and materialisation. Unlike traditional industrial ‘boxes’, the workhouse’s programmatic mix is rather peculiar: it includes a garage, workshops, offices and a caretaker’s residence.

Image Courtesy © Allard van der Hoek

• Architects: HUB
• Project: Workhouse de Scheepvaart
• Location: Schoten, Belgium
• Photography: Allard van der Hoek, Koen Drossaert
• Partners: loos architects, bureau bouwtechniek, bas
• Program: 2.375 m² mixed program (atelier, offices, storage and residential)
• Budget: € 1.260.000
•  Year: 2002 – 2006

Image Courtesy © Allard van der Hoek

As a starting point for dealing with the resulting contextual, financial and programmatic constraints, the brief was carefully analysed. The proposed budget was very limited and was therefore a determining factor in the chosen design strategy. By integrating the storage area within the overall volume, the workhouse is literally leant more substance, sparing the site from random storage. The requested fence around the area ‘shrinks”, as protection, up against the inexpensive EPDM shell of the building.

Image Courtesy © Allard van der Hoek

Instead of choosing a standard height for the building, a differentiating profile was chosen in line with the divergent functions and their respective requirements. The side of the building made way for a more sculptural treatment, boosting the building’s expressive character while linking the exterior to the main functional areas. The result of these interventions is a building with a strong identity which retains the open character of the surrounding landscape.

Image Courtesy © Allard van der Hoek

Image Courtesy © Allard van der Hoek

Image Courtesy © Allard van der Hoek

Image Courtesy © Allard van der Hoek

Image Courtesy © Allard van der Hoek

Image Courtesy © Allard van der Hoek

Image Courtesy © HUB

Image Courtesy © HUB

Image Courtesy © HUB

Image Courtesy © HUB

Image Courtesy © HUB

Tags: Belgium, Schoten

Category: House

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