The project consists of an elevation of the existing “Match” located at the chaussée d’Alsemberg in Forest. Around a new public garden, different blocks are built above the commercial surface, reaching between 4 and 8 floors while interacting with their existing environment. In total, more than 11,000 m² of housing will be built without increasing the floor space to meet the growing demography of the city.
In order to limit the additional load on the existing foundations, a timber structure was considered, allowing to be 4 times lighter than a traditional construction. Only the beams and the new cores are in concrete. These bring a particular aesthetic to the apartments, and their raw aspect contrasts with the warmth of the wooden floors. The existing first floor structure and the foundations are reinforced in places to support the new project.