Groepswoningen Maarschalk Gerardstraat 5

When dividing a mansion into studios, the architects of Eagles of Architecture were looking for a way to ensure that the interventions added value to the building, without losing the grandeur of the 19th-century mansion. They used the circulation route as a continuous meeting space throughout the building, limited at the ends by shared living spaces. The addresses of the other rooms are sited along this public walk. Each type of space will have an individual finish, i.e. the public circulation route will be finished to its full height and the public rooms up to 226cm. The private rooms will remain unfinished. Not plastering the private rooms completely, but merely cementing in any visible scars, will give each room a unique wall finish, reflecting a distinct methodology throughout the various rooms. The distinction between existing and new walls is created by providing any new walls with the same structure with cladding only where it is needed. The cladding will depend upon its specific purpose and will remain unfinished. Other additions also highlight the contrast between existing and new elements.

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

This text is based on the project text provided by the architects.