Albert Canal, Wijnegem Belgium

Following renovation and redevelopment work, a unique site with a new purpose has emerged on the grounds of a former distillery and malt house. Thanks to its location on the Albert Canal, where ships sail between the port of Antwerp and the Ruhr region, there is a sense of tranquillity. The landscape architecture of the buildings and gardens is a masterpiece, creating a harmonious fusion of architecture and nature in an innovative way. Modern structures in a historic setting are surrounded by a wooded garden that evokes a sense of adventure. The complex houses residential and commercial premises, as well as an art gallery. An underground car park, completely concealed beneath the garden, also forms part of the complex.

The park blends seamlessly into its surroundings thanks to a carefully chosen planting scheme that is both visually appealing and sustainable. Local biodiversity has been taken into account through the use of native plants, ensuring the garden fits perfectly into the environment. A stroll through the park illustrates the refined vision of the architecture and landscape design. The lush greenery creates a soothing atmosphere, inviting visitors to linger and unwind for a while. The site is strongly characterised by its industrial character: enormous silos and red-brick buildings impart a strong sense of cohesion and identity. Small wooded areas and meadows with tall trees surround the homes and protect the residents’ privacy. The overall effect is very natural. The buildings are connected by natural-looking paths, as if they had been created by wildlife.

The design is characterised by a series of small, secluded gardens. To achieve this effect, the route around the buildings has been carefully planned. The daily walk that residents take to their homes must not only be pleasant, but also efficient. The solution: numerous small paths through the ‘wood’. As you approach the buildings, the greenery increases and becomes more extensive, the paths narrow, and the feeling that you are entering a secluded space grows ever stronger. The densely built-up area gives the feeling of being in nature, without being isolated. No easy task given the many windows in the residential complexes and the access roads, but one that has been executed with brilliant results. Thanks to the use of large trees with dense canopies, the buildings are beautifully proportioned.