Stéphane Beel

Silo Building . Wijnegem

Stéphane Beel . + Kanaalsite

The re-shaping of the Silo Building is a delicate task. On one hand, the massive silos must be preserved as a beacon within the locality. On the other hand, the new interventions must meet contemporary demands for light and view, comfort and safety.

A new square structure
A section of the two central cylinders at a height of 31 and 28 meters is removed . This is replaced with a new translucent, square structure. The other six silos are fully retained and fitted out with smaller openings, which follow a structural logic and which frame specific panoramas. This intervention creates living units, each with three circular enclosed spaces and one square open space. This openness makes the square space, centrally located in the house, suitable as living space and/or kitchen.
A new volume
The existing white silo's will be replaced by a new volume that is built on top of Karnak and that is carried by new steel beams. All this preserves the space and allows to use the existing foundation. The new mass is clad in white/natural wood which clearly contrasts with the existing grey silos. The glazing is in silvered/white coloured reflective glass in light-coloured wooden joinery.