"Saint-Gobain Multicomfort Student Contest 2020"
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National stage
(Group project)
Winner
2019-2020
"Short film with project explanation"
"Atmosphere masterplan with functions and building types"
"Participants"
This project was completed thanks to good collaboration between three master's students from Hasselt University, located in Belgium, namely Jord Lindelauf, Birgit Van Den Broek and Bo Westerlinck.
"Desinging the masterplan"
Inspired by the French gardens and the historical layout of the plot, we started designing the masterplan. We used a very strong East-West axis as our starting point. Just like in the French landscape garden, where they also start from a very strong axis perpendicular to the house to organize a large green corridor. By doing this we place Maison Cognet in the spotlight. Also on the other side of the axis we add a similar building volume.
Subsequently, we designed a grid that takes into account the existing buildings on site, the different required densities and typologies found in the environment. The masterplan is divided in three main zones, namely the foreground, a middle ground and the background. The foreground is the green corridor or park zone, which includes a fast and slow connection from East to West. We positioned the buildings of the middle ground perpendicular to this axis to create large open spaces for relaxation and recreation. The building volumes in the background are arranged in parallel to this green axis, creating more intimate zones. The fordability is also good here, but it still has a more private character.
Furthermore rows of trees were used to create different rooms in our masterplan, this is also something typical of the French Garden. The circulation on site is kept very clear and supports the organization of the building volumes. In the middle there is a second East-West axis, which is accessible for the fire truck and immediately connects to 6 buildings. The other buildings in the background can be accessed by the existing roads.
Besides all this greenery we’ve also decided to create some squares, for instance next to the Maison Cognet, which will be repurposed as a restaurant and mobility point, but also next to the other heritage building, in which a sports centre will be incorporated.
In short, we consider the master plan as a succession of different degrees of greenery, where one can live in harmony with each other and with nature.
"Modular housing system units"
Furthermore, we offer a lot of possibilities for living inside this building complex. The units are composed of various elements that can be placed along and above each other like modules. In this way a solution is possible for every wish. We always work with a wet module, a sleeping module and a living module. Besides these we’ve also created an intermediate piece that can be used for a variety of functions.
"Main concept - industrial framework + prefabricatie intelligent (housing) modules"
After choosing the different modules, the organization of them (and therefore the size of its housing unit), the unit can be inserted. This is done by sliding the elements into the industrial framework in the right order. This industrial framework consists of reinforced concrete slabs in combination with steel columns. The elements of the units are prefabricated and are therefore of excellent manufacturing and shorten the building process considerably. This way of working also refers to the industrial character of the site. A framework consisting of concrete and steel that is filled in by wooden boxes. These units stand for the transient of today's society, while the structural framework that still comes across light reflects the robust industrial character.
"Introver (right) vs. Extrovert (left) building type"
We therefore offer a variety of options to the end user on all levels. This in order to let them compose their own multicomfort and focus on what is important to them. Because of this we’ve created two types of buildings. An introvert and an extrovert building type. The introvert building is suitable for people who live quietly, and like to be on their own or with a few friends. Nevertheless social contact and control is still guaranteed. The extrovert building is organized more towards its surroundings and invites people to enter it. The open and public spaces are situated on the outside zone and therefore visible from the park.
Another notable difference between the two buildings types is the location of the walking bridges or passageway, to which the residential zones are also linked; in the introvert it is on the inside, in the extrovert it is on the outside. All vertical circulation is also located in this zone to reinforce this concept.
"Extrovert building type"
"Introvert building type"
"Sport Centre Interior"
"Co-vivre en ver"
The red thread within our story is actually a green thread of flowers, plants and trees. We see this in the green axis but also inside the buildings. By working with units, the building retains its transparent character. In this way the green is visible both inside and between the buildings.
