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Timber Engineering
Timber Engineering
20.036
Brussels,
Belgium
The project consists of the heavy renovation of the building located at Boulevard Pachéco 32, the former building of the Royal Mint, into a contemporary building containing a mix of offices, co-living, commercial and catering spaces. The objective is to turn this real bunker into a warm and luminous place to live in order to develop the residential function in this district with a strong administrative character. The reconversion of the mint and its offices is made towards the following functions.
– offices + atrium: 9.428 m² (9.428 m²)
– co-living (housing): 1.051 sqm
– 2 bars (small horeca, without kitchen) and 1 shop: 1.151 m².
The existing building has 6 levels, including 2 basement levels. Its structure is formed by a system of lightened and very thick reinforced concrete flat slabs which allows beamless spaces. The project creates a large central atrium to bring light to the ground floor of the building. The two existing cores are moved to meet the new architectural program of the site. The third floor is demolished and redone in timber to limit the loads on the existing structure. A new floor, also composed of wooden floors, is created in the workshop where the coins were minted at the time. The facades are also opened, while keeping the original authenticity of the building. The major challenge of the project is the temporary measures and demolitions to ensure a safe and healthy transition from the existing program to the new project.
