Koekestraat Sint-Truiden
Basic information
Project Title
Koekestraat Sint-Truiden
Full project title
Koekestraat Sint-Truiden, Intergenerational Social Housing
Category
Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
Project Description
Koekestraat is an exemplary intergenerational social housing project, skillfully connecting diverse scales in the neighborhood. A passageway connects the square to a collective garden. Senior and family housing units are combined. The project prioritizes a balance between collective and individual spaces, creating a cohesive environment for different generations. Koekestraat sets a standard for harmonious living, showcasing the potential of social housing in nurturing community and belonging.
Geographical Scope
Local
Project Region
Sint-Truiden, Belgium
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
Koekestraat stands as an inclusive and exemplary intergenerational social housing project situated in Sint-Truiden. This development skillfully navigates the diverse scales within the neighborhood, making an interesting transition between the row houses of the social housing district and the more densely constructed projects. A thoughtfully designed passageway serves to disrupt the built fabric, establishing a connection between the square and an expansive collective garden, which is shared among other buildings in the block.
The ground floor of the project hosts senior housing units, strategically paired with family housing units on upper levels. These levels are accessible via a shared walkway, fostering spontaneous encounters and collaborative activities among residents. Our approach seeks to strike a harmonious balance between collective and individual spaces, recognizing the importance of creating a cohesive living environment for different generations. Our emphasis on balancing private and collective space stems from a belief in creating homes that go beyond mere structures; they are spaces that instill a profound sense of belonging among residents. By intertwining these elements thoughtfully, we aspire to set a standard for harmonious living, where individuals have the privacy they need while also being seamlessly connected to a larger, supportive community.
In this context, we emphasize the potential of social housing to serve as an exemplar, showcasing how thoughtful design can facilitate intergenerational cohabitation. By intertwining communal spaces with private living quarters, we aspire to set a standard for harmonious living, demonstrating the pivotal role that social housing can play in nurturing a sense of community and belonging.
The ground floor of the project hosts senior housing units, strategically paired with family housing units on upper levels. These levels are accessible via a shared walkway, fostering spontaneous encounters and collaborative activities among residents. Our approach seeks to strike a harmonious balance between collective and individual spaces, recognizing the importance of creating a cohesive living environment for different generations. Our emphasis on balancing private and collective space stems from a belief in creating homes that go beyond mere structures; they are spaces that instill a profound sense of belonging among residents. By intertwining these elements thoughtfully, we aspire to set a standard for harmonious living, where individuals have the privacy they need while also being seamlessly connected to a larger, supportive community.
In this context, we emphasize the potential of social housing to serve as an exemplar, showcasing how thoughtful design can facilitate intergenerational cohabitation. By intertwining communal spaces with private living quarters, we aspire to set a standard for harmonious living, demonstrating the pivotal role that social housing can play in nurturing a sense of community and belonging.
Key objectives for sustainability
Inclusive Community Development: Our project places a strong emphasis on fostering an inclusive community through intergenerational living and informal care. The design addresses the diverse needs of various age groups, promoting social inclusivity. The project draws inspiration from the kangaroo home concept. In this model, seniors reside on the ground floor, providing independence while ensuring immediate assistance if needed, creating a sense of safety. Furthermore, the incorporation of various communal outdoor spaces encourages resident interactions, fostering casual connections and enabling the organization of community events.
Affordable Housing and Social Inclusion: The project's commitment to cost control and the creation of accessible social housing reflects a dedication to addressing economic disparities and preventing exclusion and poverty. The building's affordability stems from a rational and compact design based on the row house structure. Sustainability is a core aspect of the design, ensuring longevity and affordability. The structure's adaptability to future needs is enhanced through features such as larger floor heights, oversize technical shafts, and integrated guard pipes. Sustainability is synonymous with robustness, opting for masonry in both structure and facade materiality, leading to a construction process with low complexity. The use of low-maintenance materials and intuitive, low-tech systems ensures ease of use for residents.
Intergenerational Living for Social Support: Integrating seniors' housing on the ground floor fosters a community where social support is readily available. Beyond addressing the specific needs of seniors, this design choice encourages approachable and multigenerational interactions, contributing to a socially vibrant atmosphere.
Ownership/Business Models: This project demonstrates that social housing can explore alternative and re-imagined housing forms within its framework, responding to modern society's needs.
Affordable Housing and Social Inclusion: The project's commitment to cost control and the creation of accessible social housing reflects a dedication to addressing economic disparities and preventing exclusion and poverty. The building's affordability stems from a rational and compact design based on the row house structure. Sustainability is a core aspect of the design, ensuring longevity and affordability. The structure's adaptability to future needs is enhanced through features such as larger floor heights, oversize technical shafts, and integrated guard pipes. Sustainability is synonymous with robustness, opting for masonry in both structure and facade materiality, leading to a construction process with low complexity. The use of low-maintenance materials and intuitive, low-tech systems ensures ease of use for residents.
Intergenerational Living for Social Support: Integrating seniors' housing on the ground floor fosters a community where social support is readily available. Beyond addressing the specific needs of seniors, this design choice encourages approachable and multigenerational interactions, contributing to a socially vibrant atmosphere.
Ownership/Business Models: This project demonstrates that social housing can explore alternative and re-imagined housing forms within its framework, responding to modern society's needs.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Integration with Existing: One of the primary objectives is to carefully integrate into the existing urban fabric and garden district. This involves respecting the scale, typology, and characteristic elements of the surrounding architecture. For example, maintaining front gardens and front doors at the street level ensures a connection with the aesthetic of the neighborhood, where the single family house predominates.
.Architectural Diversity/Identity: The project aims to create a diverse typology by stacking different housing types, including senior and family dwellings. This intentional blend of functions contributes to a visually dynamic and engaging environment. The design decision to elevate a portion of the volume along the passage serves as an architectural statement, giving the building identity and marking the entrance zone.
Cultural/Social Cohesion: By promoting intergenerational living and informal care, the project addresses cultural and social cohesion. The intentional design of shared spaces fosters a sense of community. The communal areas provide opportunities for spontaneous interactions, cultural exchange, and shared experiences among residents.
Terrace Orientation and Visual Connections:The orientation of terraces towards the west and their design as partially enclosed loggias enhance the quality of living spaces. This design choice provides visual connections with the collective garden and offers residents comfortable and visually appealing outdoor spaces.
Balance Privacy-Interaction: The gradual transition between private and public spaces creates a balance between privacy and interaction, allowing residents to engage with the community at their own pace while enjoying moments of tranquillity.
Aesthetic Considerations in Environmental Sustainability: The project includes design of water management systems, like wadis, and extensive greenery, serving ecological purposes and contributing to the aesthetic of the surroundings.
.Architectural Diversity/Identity: The project aims to create a diverse typology by stacking different housing types, including senior and family dwellings. This intentional blend of functions contributes to a visually dynamic and engaging environment. The design decision to elevate a portion of the volume along the passage serves as an architectural statement, giving the building identity and marking the entrance zone.
Cultural/Social Cohesion: By promoting intergenerational living and informal care, the project addresses cultural and social cohesion. The intentional design of shared spaces fosters a sense of community. The communal areas provide opportunities for spontaneous interactions, cultural exchange, and shared experiences among residents.
Terrace Orientation and Visual Connections:The orientation of terraces towards the west and their design as partially enclosed loggias enhance the quality of living spaces. This design choice provides visual connections with the collective garden and offers residents comfortable and visually appealing outdoor spaces.
Balance Privacy-Interaction: The gradual transition between private and public spaces creates a balance between privacy and interaction, allowing residents to engage with the community at their own pace while enjoying moments of tranquillity.
Aesthetic Considerations in Environmental Sustainability: The project includes design of water management systems, like wadis, and extensive greenery, serving ecological purposes and contributing to the aesthetic of the surroundings.
Key objectives for inclusion
Social Inclusion through Intergenerational Living: By combining senior and family housing, it creates a diverse community that reflects various life stages and needs. This intentional mix promotes social interaction and a sense of belonging for residents of all ages.
Affordability and Accessible Housing: The objective is to provide affordable housing while maintaining high-quality living standards. The commitment to cost control emphasizes the importance of creating a socially inclusive environment where individuals from diverse economic backgrounds can access quality housing. The project strives to address economic disparities and prevent exclusion.
Inclusive Design Principles: The incorporation of design principles that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity: features such as no stairs or steps at ground level, an elevator, communal spaces, and thoughtful terrace orientation contribute to an environment that accommodates diverse needs, including those of people with disabilities and seniors.
Community Engagement and Shared Spaces: The project promotes inclusion through community engagement, with shared spaces designed for various activities. The collective garden serves as a central hub, encouraging residents to interact, share experiences, and participate in community life. These shared spaces contribute to a sense of belonging and inclusion within the larger community.
Accessibility for All Ages: The project addresses the needs of different age groups, particularly seniors, by placing senior housing on the ground floor. This design choice facilitates accessibility and reduces potential barriers to social interaction. The presence of the gallery access for first-floor apartments further enhances accessibility.
Diverse Societal Models: By creating a small community within the city that encourages informal care and mutual support. Intergenerational living exemplifies a societal approach where residents of various backgrounds and life stages coexist.
Affordability and Accessible Housing: The objective is to provide affordable housing while maintaining high-quality living standards. The commitment to cost control emphasizes the importance of creating a socially inclusive environment where individuals from diverse economic backgrounds can access quality housing. The project strives to address economic disparities and prevent exclusion.
Inclusive Design Principles: The incorporation of design principles that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity: features such as no stairs or steps at ground level, an elevator, communal spaces, and thoughtful terrace orientation contribute to an environment that accommodates diverse needs, including those of people with disabilities and seniors.
Community Engagement and Shared Spaces: The project promotes inclusion through community engagement, with shared spaces designed for various activities. The collective garden serves as a central hub, encouraging residents to interact, share experiences, and participate in community life. These shared spaces contribute to a sense of belonging and inclusion within the larger community.
Accessibility for All Ages: The project addresses the needs of different age groups, particularly seniors, by placing senior housing on the ground floor. This design choice facilitates accessibility and reduces potential barriers to social interaction. The presence of the gallery access for first-floor apartments further enhances accessibility.
Diverse Societal Models: By creating a small community within the city that encourages informal care and mutual support. Intergenerational living exemplifies a societal approach where residents of various backgrounds and life stages coexist.
How Citizens benefit
The emphasis on creating a community-oriented living space entails an inclusive approach to decision-making. The provision of communal areas and the integration of residents into the project's development contribute to a sense of shared responsibility and inclusivity in decision-making processes.
Since the residents of the future homes are not yet known with certainty, they were not included in the development the project. Nevertheless, the social housing company 'Wonen in Limburg' (formerly 'Nieuw Sint-Truiden'), stands for a clear vision and a strong social commitment. The developer embraces diversity and strives to create a vibrant neighbourhood where different generations live together in harmony. The project is inclusive. On the other hand, Nieuw Sint-Truiden also stands for pragmatism. Cost control is crucial to realise accessible social housing. The ambition is encapsulated in an integrated vision where quality is considered at all scales; both for the spaces that people share and take care of together, as well as for the private spaces where people take the freedom to arrange them according to their own taste.
As designers, we are very happy to take on this commitment. We believe in creating homes that provide answers to contemporary issues, but above all give residents a home. We believe that the way we implement and organise affordable and quality housing can create a path to a more supportive society, where residents can do more for each other. Our motivation for this assignment was fueled by our conviction that social housing can play an exemplary role in this.
Since the residents of the future homes are not yet known with certainty, they were not included in the development the project. Nevertheless, the social housing company 'Wonen in Limburg' (formerly 'Nieuw Sint-Truiden'), stands for a clear vision and a strong social commitment. The developer embraces diversity and strives to create a vibrant neighbourhood where different generations live together in harmony. The project is inclusive. On the other hand, Nieuw Sint-Truiden also stands for pragmatism. Cost control is crucial to realise accessible social housing. The ambition is encapsulated in an integrated vision where quality is considered at all scales; both for the spaces that people share and take care of together, as well as for the private spaces where people take the freedom to arrange them according to their own taste.
As designers, we are very happy to take on this commitment. We believe in creating homes that provide answers to contemporary issues, but above all give residents a home. We believe that the way we implement and organise affordable and quality housing can create a path to a more supportive society, where residents can do more for each other. Our motivation for this assignment was fueled by our conviction that social housing can play an exemplary role in this.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
Intergenerational Living Model:
providing a unique approach to community development. By combining senior and family housing within the same project, it fosters a diverse and mutually supportive community. This model challenges traditional housing norms and promotes social cohesion across age groups.
Balancing Privacy and Community Interaction:
The thoughtful design that balances privacy and community interaction. This approach recognizes the importance of both private and communal spaces, creating a living environment that adapts to residents' varying preferences for social engagement.
Water Management and Biodiversity Focus:
commitment to sustainable and climate-resilient design. The inclusion of water-permeable surfaces, wadi systems, and extensive greenery not only addresses environmental concerns but also contributes to enhancing biodiversity.
Inclusive Design Principles:
The incorporation of inclusive design principles, considering the needs of people with disabilities and seniors, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach. The project aims to create spaces that are accessible and welcoming to residents of all abilities, challenging traditional notions of design that may exclude certain demographics.
Community Governance and Decision-Making: the project's focus on creating a small community within the city is an innovative approach to community governance. The involvement of residents in decision-making processes and the design of shared spaces contributes to a sense of shared responsibility and inclusivity.
Cultural Enrichment through Collective Garden: This space serves as a green area and becomes a dynamic cultural focal point, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Affordable Housing with Quality Design: cost control while maintaining a focus on quality design challenges the common perception that affordable housing must compromise on aesthetics or functionality.
providing a unique approach to community development. By combining senior and family housing within the same project, it fosters a diverse and mutually supportive community. This model challenges traditional housing norms and promotes social cohesion across age groups.
Balancing Privacy and Community Interaction:
The thoughtful design that balances privacy and community interaction. This approach recognizes the importance of both private and communal spaces, creating a living environment that adapts to residents' varying preferences for social engagement.
Water Management and Biodiversity Focus:
commitment to sustainable and climate-resilient design. The inclusion of water-permeable surfaces, wadi systems, and extensive greenery not only addresses environmental concerns but also contributes to enhancing biodiversity.
Inclusive Design Principles:
The incorporation of inclusive design principles, considering the needs of people with disabilities and seniors, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach. The project aims to create spaces that are accessible and welcoming to residents of all abilities, challenging traditional notions of design that may exclude certain demographics.
Community Governance and Decision-Making: the project's focus on creating a small community within the city is an innovative approach to community governance. The involvement of residents in decision-making processes and the design of shared spaces contributes to a sense of shared responsibility and inclusivity.
Cultural Enrichment through Collective Garden: This space serves as a green area and becomes a dynamic cultural focal point, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Affordable Housing with Quality Design: cost control while maintaining a focus on quality design challenges the common perception that affordable housing must compromise on aesthetics or functionality.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The design and implementation of the Koekestraat project in Sint-Truiden involved a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating expertise from various fields. Architecture played a pivotal role in shaping the physical structures, while engineering ensured the technical viability of the project. Social studies contributed insights into the community dynamics, informing the layout and interaction spaces. Sustainable design principles were integrated to promote environmental responsibility, considering aspects like energy efficiency and material choices.
The collaboration between representatives from these disciplines was crucial. Architects and engineers worked in tandem to ensure that the design was not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound.The Flemish society for social housing provided valuable input and guidelines on social housing regulations, needs and preferences, influencing the layout and amenities. Sustainable design specialists contributed to creating an eco-friendly environment.
In the realm of social housing, the collaboration aimed to strike a balance between collective and individual spaces, accommodating the diverse needs of different generations. Climate adaptation experts were involved in the design of a resilient garden, considering the environmental impact and long-term sustainability.
The added value of this interdisciplinary collaboration was the creation of a holistic and well-rounded project. By integrating insights from architecture, engineering, social studies, sustainable design, social housing, and climate adaptation, the project achieved a harmonious balance that not only addressed physical structures but also considered the social, environmental, and community aspects. The diverse perspectives enriched the design process, resulting in a project that not only met functional requirements but also fostered a sense of community, sustainability, and overall well-being.
The collaboration between representatives from these disciplines was crucial. Architects and engineers worked in tandem to ensure that the design was not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound.The Flemish society for social housing provided valuable input and guidelines on social housing regulations, needs and preferences, influencing the layout and amenities. Sustainable design specialists contributed to creating an eco-friendly environment.
In the realm of social housing, the collaboration aimed to strike a balance between collective and individual spaces, accommodating the diverse needs of different generations. Climate adaptation experts were involved in the design of a resilient garden, considering the environmental impact and long-term sustainability.
The added value of this interdisciplinary collaboration was the creation of a holistic and well-rounded project. By integrating insights from architecture, engineering, social studies, sustainable design, social housing, and climate adaptation, the project achieved a harmonious balance that not only addressed physical structures but also considered the social, environmental, and community aspects. The diverse perspectives enriched the design process, resulting in a project that not only met functional requirements but also fostered a sense of community, sustainability, and overall well-being.
Methodology used
Research by design: Research through design (RtD) is an approach to scientific inquiry that takes advantage of the unique insights gained through design practice to provide a better understanding of complex and future-oriented issues in the design field.
How stakeholders are engaged
The Koekestraat project engaged stakeholders at various levels, fostering a collaborative approach in its design and implementation. The initiative began with the project being awarded in the context of the 'MEESTERPROEF 2022,' an open call for young architects to realize a public commission. The Flemish Master Builder Team (TEAM VLAAMS BOUWMEESTER) played a crucial role as a guiding force, overseeing the entire process and providing expertise in architectural and urban planning.
At the regional level, the Flemish Society for Social Housing (VMSW) and the Association of Flemish Housing Companies (WONEN IN VLAANDEREN) were actively involved. They contributed valuable insights into social housing dynamics, ensuring the project aligned with regional housing goals and needs. Their involvement added a practical and policy-oriented dimension to the project, enhancing its relevance within the regional context.
The collaboration extended to the national level, where the Arts in Commission Platform and Diependaele Cabinet participated. Their role was pivotal in integrating artistic elements into the project, enriching the cultural and aesthetic aspects. This collaboration added a layer of creativity and cultural significance to the development, contributing to a more vibrant and engaging community space.
The client, WONEN IN LIMBURG, played a central role in representing the local community's interests and needs. The engagement of recently graduated architects and young artists not only provided them with a valuable opportunity but also injected fresh perspectives and innovative ideas into the project. The guidance provided by the Flemish Master Builder Team and experienced supervisors ensured a smooth integration of these creative inputs into the overall design.
The added value of this multifaceted engagement was the creation of a project that not only met architectural and social housing standards but also reflected the cultural and artistic richness of the region.
At the regional level, the Flemish Society for Social Housing (VMSW) and the Association of Flemish Housing Companies (WONEN IN VLAANDEREN) were actively involved. They contributed valuable insights into social housing dynamics, ensuring the project aligned with regional housing goals and needs. Their involvement added a practical and policy-oriented dimension to the project, enhancing its relevance within the regional context.
The collaboration extended to the national level, where the Arts in Commission Platform and Diependaele Cabinet participated. Their role was pivotal in integrating artistic elements into the project, enriching the cultural and aesthetic aspects. This collaboration added a layer of creativity and cultural significance to the development, contributing to a more vibrant and engaging community space.
The client, WONEN IN LIMBURG, played a central role in representing the local community's interests and needs. The engagement of recently graduated architects and young artists not only provided them with a valuable opportunity but also injected fresh perspectives and innovative ideas into the project. The guidance provided by the Flemish Master Builder Team and experienced supervisors ensured a smooth integration of these creative inputs into the overall design.
The added value of this multifaceted engagement was the creation of a project that not only met architectural and social housing standards but also reflected the cultural and artistic richness of the region.
Global challenges
Urbanization and Sustainable Living:The project models sustainable urban development with green spaces, water systems, inclusive design, offering a local solution to global urbanization challenges.
Demographic Changes and Aging Population:Integrating senior housing and intergenerational living addresses aging population challenges, providing a local solution for supportive communities across age groups.
Climate Change and Resilient Urban Design:Focusing on sustainable practices like water management and green infrastructure serves as a local solution to climate change impacts, enhancing urban resilience.
Social Inclusion/Community Cohesion:intergenerational living fosters community cohesion, addressing global social inclusion challenges with local solutions.
Housing Affordability and Quality:Commitment to cost-effective, quality housing provides a local solution to global affordability challenges, showcasing aesthetically pleasing, inclusive designs.
Biodiversity Loss and Ecological Preservation:Integration of wadis and greenery contributes to biodiversity preservation, promoting local solutions for healthier urban ecosystems.
Cultural Enrichment and Inclusive Communities:Emphasis on cultural enrichment and intergenerational living provides a local solution to global cultural fragmentation challenges, fostering inclusivity and social bonds.
Resource Management and Water Scarcity:Water management and permeable surfaces address global water scarcity challenges, offering a local solution for sustainable resource practices.
Inclusive Design and Accessibility:Commitment to inclusive design addresses the global challenge of creating accessible environments, providing a local solution for welcoming and functional urban spaces.
Community Engagement and Governance:Emphasizing community engagement and involvement offers a local solution to the global challenge of disconnected urban living, active citizen participation for sustainable and cohesive communities.
Demographic Changes and Aging Population:Integrating senior housing and intergenerational living addresses aging population challenges, providing a local solution for supportive communities across age groups.
Climate Change and Resilient Urban Design:Focusing on sustainable practices like water management and green infrastructure serves as a local solution to climate change impacts, enhancing urban resilience.
Social Inclusion/Community Cohesion:intergenerational living fosters community cohesion, addressing global social inclusion challenges with local solutions.
Housing Affordability and Quality:Commitment to cost-effective, quality housing provides a local solution to global affordability challenges, showcasing aesthetically pleasing, inclusive designs.
Biodiversity Loss and Ecological Preservation:Integration of wadis and greenery contributes to biodiversity preservation, promoting local solutions for healthier urban ecosystems.
Cultural Enrichment and Inclusive Communities:Emphasis on cultural enrichment and intergenerational living provides a local solution to global cultural fragmentation challenges, fostering inclusivity and social bonds.
Resource Management and Water Scarcity:Water management and permeable surfaces address global water scarcity challenges, offering a local solution for sustainable resource practices.
Inclusive Design and Accessibility:Commitment to inclusive design addresses the global challenge of creating accessible environments, providing a local solution for welcoming and functional urban spaces.
Community Engagement and Governance:Emphasizing community engagement and involvement offers a local solution to the global challenge of disconnected urban living, active citizen participation for sustainable and cohesive communities.
Learning transferred to other parties
1. Intergenerational Living Model
2. Balanced Privacy and Community Interaction Design
3. Inclusive Design for Accessibility
4. Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Practices
5. Community Governance and Involvement
6. Affordable Housing Strategies
7. Cultural and Community Enrichment through Shared Spaces
8. Innovative Biodiversity Practices
2. Balanced Privacy and Community Interaction Design
3. Inclusive Design for Accessibility
4. Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Practices
5. Community Governance and Involvement
6. Affordable Housing Strategies
7. Cultural and Community Enrichment through Shared Spaces
8. Innovative Biodiversity Practices
Keywords
Inclusive
Affordable
Intergenerational
Resilient
Social
