51N4E

kindergarten & greenery service . Merksem

51N4E . photos: © Filip Dujardin . + domus

To free up as much park space as possible, we propose to integrate the unlikely combination of kindergarten and machine depot in a compact circular building. Organized in one single level around an interior courtyard, the plan minimizes circulation and maximizes the relation with the surroundings.

The sharp contrast between the two users is softened by raising the level of the kindergarten, thus putting all users at eye level, only separated by a glass wall. Seen from the outside, the raised level detaches the building from the park, allowing the greenery to flow freely around it.

Data
Location Merksem, BE
Invited competition 2008
Projected completion 2011
Client AG Vespa
51N4E full process
Programme kindergarten, facilities, machine depot
Built surface 3.500 m²
Construction cost 3.000.000