Restauratie Maagdentoren

De Smet Vermeulen architecten

Scherpenheuvel, deelgemeente Zichem

Restauration of the Maagdentoren, Zichem

A RESTORATION WITHOUT PASTICHE. A partly collapsed fourteenth-century dungeon has been given a new function as a watchtower. Reconstruction was impossible, due to a shortage of Diestian ironstone, the initial building material, and because historical documents were lacking. The architects accepted the condition as a ruin. A metal staircase leads the visitor inside, where concrete discs have replaced the cross vaults. On top, a metal cap, which also serves as a vantage point, protects the crumbling walls from further deterioration.

This text has been published in the Architecture Review Flanders N°12. Tailored Architecture.