Project-Category: All

Residential care centre A. Lacourt, Ostend

Residential care centre A. Lacourt, Ostend

2019
Evolta›Projects›Residential care centre A. Lacourt, Ostend
Client
Ostend Social Home
Location
Ostend
Architect
People in Development Team

Expansion of residential care centre by 60 residential units

A renovation with regard for the needs of current and new residents

Following the new spatial planning for the residential care centre De Boarebreker site, the Ostend Social Home decided to ​expand residential care centre A. Lacourt by 60 rooms.​

In order to implement the expansion without having to evacuate the residents, we chose to keep the central block and the existing residential block B in their entirety. The day centre area, cafeteria and part of residential block A were demolished to make way for the ambitious expansion.

New cafeteria the priority

Immediately after the demolition works, we started the construction of a new cafeteria space, owing to its important social function. Thanks to a construction system with a steel structure and aluminium-fleece façade, the residents quickly regained a place to have a coffee with their friends, family and acquaintances.

Extra indoor and outdoor space

All the wards were also given a spacious living room with an open kitchen for eating, watching television, for entertainment, you name it. Each of the living rooms was equipped with an outdoor balcony on which to enjoy the sunlight and contact with the enclosed garden on sunny days. The nursing stations connect directly to the living rooms.

Most of the hallways end at a small rest area overlooking the enclosed garden or surrounding public space, so they are naturally lit and residents can experience sun and outdoor activity at any time. In the enclosed garden itself, residents can socialise with their companions on the cafeteria terrace, or stroll among various green spaces.

Most of the new façade area, like the existing facade, consists of insulated façade plaster with a Belgian blue limestone plinth surrounding the building. And the aluminium joinery also follows the existing windows in colour choice and layout, such that the new and existing parts of the building visibly form a single whole.

Oude vismijn and Groentenmarkt, Lokeren

Oude vismijn and Groentenmarkt, Lokeren

2024
Evolta›Projects›Oude vismijn and Groentenmarkt, Lokeren
Client
City Council of Lokeren
Location
Lokeren
Architect
Team Concept & Space

Reviving squares and connecting them

Romp between swaying grasses and colorful flowers on the course of stepping stones. Just kicking in some water that collected in one of the wadis. Parents and grandparents who watch amused on the bench past all that life. A little further on, people enjoy a good glass and each other’s company and people walk home with groceries in hand.

 

The Groentenmarkt and Oude Vismijn are reviving after the renovation operation that Evolta designed and supervised for the City of Lokeren.

 

The two renovated squares form a link within the urban fabric by bringing structure and making room for experience, soft road use and greenery. The interventions not only increase the quality of life and accommodation, but also strongly stimulate the local economy and biodiversity.

Beauty and functionality go hand in hand by integrating the necessary roads, bicycle sheds and parking zones into the design and choice of materials.

The paving of the Old Fish Market forms a playful element and was selected to reinforce the residential character. In the Groentenmarkt, we continue the typology of the Market, but the walkers in flat cobblestones connect all the central squares and form the logical walking lines. At the same time, it offers accessible circulation for people with reduced mobility.

A strong blue-green concept with maximum rainwater collection and infiltration, maximum greening and a new separate sewer system – invisible from the ground floor but still crucial – strengthens the sustainable story and makes this place more resilient, now and in the future.

We also considered water permeability and local water infiltration when choosing materials for pavements and paths. The primary paths consist of concrete paving stones for good accessibility for walkers and cyclists. The parking zone at the entrance zone was laid out with linear grass concrete tiles. And for the other paths – the secondary circulation – we used concrete grass grids.

Driekoningen, Sint-Niklaas

Driekoningen, Sint-Niklaas

2018
Evolta›Projects›Driekoningen, Sint-Niklaas
Client
City Council of Sint-Niklaas
Location
Sint-Niklaas
Architect
Team Sustainable Mobility

The final piece of the station area redevelopment

The Driekoningen project focuses on the reconstruction of the complex western junction in the station area of Sint-Niklaas. Evolta played a key role in this process: from mobility study to the design and supervision of the works. In this way, we contribute to a more efficient and sustainable station environment.

Innovative mobility solutions for the western interchange

With the help of microsimulations, traffic behaviour on the road network was thoroughly analysed. After approval from the City of Sint-Niklaas and De Lijn, two alternatives were designed and tested. Both traffic engineering and urban planning aspects played an important role in the choice of the final design. The concept with double roundabouts clearly emerged as the best. It scored high on various points, such as cycling comfort, accessibility for pedestrians, the connection with the city, integration of the viaduct, and the improvement of public space. The bicycle highway was also optimally integrated, which strengthens the cohesion in the project area. To improve the flow of bus traffic, bus lanes were chosen on both the north and south sides of the roundabouts. This design ensures an efficient combination of functions and takes into account the technical preconditions around the nearby railway line.

Smoother traffic flow for cyclists and pedestrians

To make bicycle traffic in every direction run more smoothly, the crossings on the cycle paths will be adapted for both directions. This should compensate for the barrier effect of the avenues with central reservations or bus lanes. An exception to this is the bicycle crossing on the Spoorweglaan, where a central crossing is offered as an alternative to improve traffic flow. These adjustments ensure a better integration of bicycle traffic into the whole and contribute to safer and more efficient mobility.

The design of the public space is largely determined by the concept of the linear park. With three carefully chosen shades of grey, the grey patchwork takes shape. To strengthen the green character of the park, the zone around the parking spaces and remaining spaces will be greened as much as possible. In addition, an innovative solution was found for water management at Driekoningen. A unique storm basin of 1,250 m³ collects rainwater, in combination with a vacuum flushing system, which effectively tackles flooding. These measures contribute to a sustainable and climate-proof design.

School Environments, Lede

School Environments, Lede

2023
Evolta›Projects›School Environments, Lede
Client
Municipality of Lede
Location
Lede
Architect
Team Concept & Space

In the old situation, each school environment had its own character, which had grown over the years. There was a need for a clear vision and better visibility of the school in the area. The objective was simple: to increase road safety and traffic liveability.

We did this by developing a kind of toolbox with a number of concepts that we applied to each school environment, of course taking into account the characteristics of the existing environment. These concepts and the implementation plans were discussed in detail with the directors of all schools, so that local problems could also be addressed.

By creating a uniform look & feel to each school environment, we increase recognisability and it becomes clear to every road user when he/she is approaching the school and therefore also has to adjust his/her driving behaviour. For example, an LED screen was placed at each school entrance that lights up at the beginning and end of the school day to remind drivers to adjust their driving behaviour. The schools can adapt these screens themselves: this way they can also show other messages at other times (for example during the holidays) and use these screens to raise awareness.

A recognizable visual identity

Another concept from the toolbox is a recognizable corporate identity. We did this by providing different elements in one accent color: from the furniture, the bicycle racks to even the zebra crossing. The zebra crossings were specially made for this project: the wide orange surface is not only a nice accent but was chosen with the intention of making the crossing even more eye-catching.

We created a square feeling by bringing the (narrowed) lane to the same height as the footpath, which also obliges motorized traffic to drive slower and give the car the feeling of being a guest in the area. The STOP principle was consistently used and the space was designed as much as possible for the soft road users: a school environment that is accessible to everyone, where no thresholds have to be overcome, where the footpaths were widened to accommodate the flow of children and parents at the beginning and end of the school day, and where possible, bicycle racks were installed.

Greenery was also added to each school, using trees and flowery plants, to bring color and cheerfulness. The playful furniture also ensures that the environment becomes a meeting place, where it is pleasant to wait until school is over. The shape and color of the seating elements also invite you to clamber and play, after all, we are in a school environment.

The municipality of Lede was also rewarded for the redesign of the school environments: it was awarded a second SAVE label by the non-profit organisation Parents of Crashed Children. The abbreviation stands for Active Together for Safe Traffic.

Gentbrugse Meersen, Gentbrugge

Gentbrugse Meersen, Gentbrugge

2020
Evolta›Projects›Gentbrugse Meersen, Gentbrugge
Client
Farys
Location
Gentbrugge
Architect
Public Space Team

Construction of a water-resistant sports park in a meander area

New sports cluster provides resident of Ghent with 9.4 more hectares of sporting fun

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Volvo Cars, Ghent

Volvo Cars, Ghent

2020
Evolta›Projects›Volvo Cars, Ghent
Client
Volvo Cars
Location
Ghent
Architect
Consultancy Services Team

Supporting logistics transformation for the first all-electric Volvo

Optimum goods flows get XC40 Recharge off to a flying start

By 2025, Volvo Cars aims to reduce its carbon footprint per car by 40 percent. So the car manufacturer is fully committed to electric and hybrid. Our team Consultancy services supported the factory in Ghent with the start-up of a new production line for the fully electric XC40 Recharge – the first fully electric Volvo.

Our on-site engineer optimized together with his temporary colleagues from ‘Plant Supply Chain Engineering’ the new flow of goods to the assembly line.

During the intensive preparation period, every step in the supply process was carefully coordinated: the right packaging for each piece, an uninterrupted flow from trailer to the line without intermediate stocks, combined transports by train for different packaging types, and cyclic delivery according to a standard model. Every detail was crucial – the slightest variation would disrupt the process.

Meanwhile, the production of the Volvo XC40 Recharge is running smoothly, and the orders keep coming.

WATT Revive, Ghent

WATT Revive, Ghent

2019
Evolta›Projects›WATT Revive, Ghent
Client
Revive
Location
Ghent
Architect
Public Space Team

Redeveloping an abandoned industrial site into a vibrant residential and working neighbourhood

A successful redevelopment with (an ecological) character

Along with project developer Revive and partners KRAS architects, Establis, Boydens and Fris in het Landschap, we transformed one of Ghent’s dirtiest spots into one of its greenest. A sustainable living and working neighbourhood in the heart of the city with no fewer than 14 Nearly Zero-Energy (NZE) homes and 59 NZE apartments, room for offices and commercial spaces, and a 2,000 m² public garden.
Our Public Spaces team helped translate the master plan into some compelling designs, implementation files and the final redevelopment.

High-quality motor oil based on rapeseed had been produced at the old Elektrion site since 1926, leading to serious soil contamination up to 7 metres deep. Initially, the area was remediated and a master plan and visual quality plan were prepared.

New life was breathed into the existing office building and the remaining structure of the historic sheds by renovating, remodelling and repurposing them into a business centre with light-filled, well-insulated office spaces, attached to a co-working space. Authentic elements were restored to their former glory as far as possible.

In addition to the office development, two multi-family homes were erected in white brick as accent buildings on the site. Just like all the other homes and apartments, they were designed in accordance with NZE standards and connected to the site’s Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES) system.

The project paid close attention to the needs of the residents. The site was upgraded to a semi-public space and made accessible to the neighbourhood. In addition, a ‘neighbourhood barn’ was provided, where residents and neighbours can organise activities. We designed the community garden and created some new soft connections between Pieter Colpaertsteeg and the Groene Vallei for pedestrians and cyclists. The neighbourhood is car-free today and accessible only to emergency vehicles and refuse services.

The landscape design puts maximum emphasis on a natural and casual atmosphere. The indoor garden is a place where people can meet, relax and pick something nice from the berry bushes on the park edges or from the vegetable garden trays. We designed a rolling park landscape, which contrasts nicely with the strong lines of the surrounding architecture. The diversified vegetation and elevation changes keep the garden interesting throughout the various seasons, providing healthy biodiversity.

This project illustrates our way of working in a complex urban environment, and shows how, in consultation with all the services, we can provide a high-quality, contemporary response to the urban challenges of today and tomorrow.

Hertstraat, Ghent

Hertstraat, Ghent

2023
Evolta›Projects›Hertstraat, Ghent
Client
Ghent City Council
Location
Ghent
Architect
Public Space Team

Greening and depaving of 6 streets in Ghent

Innovative urban development for a climate-robust city

Between the Muinkschelde River and King Albert I Park lies a piece of Ghent with a special history. For centuries, the Muinkmeersen remained a marshy area within the city walls where the monks of St. Peter’s Abbey bleached linen, among other things. In 1851, part of it was set up as a zoo, after which the city bought the land and developed it as a combination of an urban park, avenues with mansions and avenues with workmen’s houses. The neighbourhood became an example of urban development innovation from the early 20th century.

One hundred years later, the City of Ghent wants to reclaim the historic district as an example of urban development innovation. Not in response to population growth and housing a growing working class this time, but rather to prepare the city for tomorrow’s challenges. Our Public Spaces team is responsible for the entire study assignment, from study to design, tendering and supervision of the works.

Climate change is at the top of the City of Ghent’s list of challenges. Periods of extreme heat and heavy rainfall are becoming more frequent, as the city’s many pavements create an urban heat island effect. The design of the Hertstraat cluster therefore maximises the use of depaving. This frees up space for façade gardens up to 2 metres (!) wide, tree basins and wadis. There is maximum possibility for water infiltration in the many green areas and permeable pavements. The greenery consists of a combination of robust and climate-resistant plant species that thrive in dry and temporarily wet soils. The innovative design allows current and future residents to find a place amongst the greenery in the city centre.

The streets will be redesigned as a residential area – as living streets with a strong residential function. This should not only slow down the speed of traffic, but also create a shared space with seating and play incentives. A place where residents can meet up.

A less visible aspect, but a significant part of the project, is the construction of sewers. Close to the Lower Scheldt and within the highly urbanised context of Ghent, this is inevitably a challenge.

Such a drastic change requires support. For this reason, we developed an extensive participation and communication process, where local residents could have a seat at the design tables to shape their street with us.

Both the climate-resilient design and strong participatory process earned bronze at the 2020 VLARIO Innovation Award ceremony.

Ganzendries, Bierbeek

Ganzendries, Bierbeek

Evolta›Projects›Ganzendries, Bierbeek
Client
Municipalities of Lubbeek and Bierbeek
Location
Bierbeek
Architect
Team Mens & milieu

Water treatment and a new road surface in Bierbeek

Separated and treated wastewater and rainwater for 1,100 residents

Safe cycle paths and good sewerage are important points of attention for every municipality. With the “Ganzendries Connection Sewerage” project, the municipalities of Bierbeek and Lubbeek worked on these points. Together with the municipalities, Aquafin and Fluvius, we have joined forces to carry out sewerage works and reconstruct the cycle path.

The sewerage works initially include the construction of the sewer connection between Pellenberg and the Tiensesteenweg to separate the waste water from the rainwater. In addition, a pumping station was also built to bring the wastewater to the sewage treatment plant so that it no longer ends up untreated in nature and the water quality improves significantly. Finally, a rainwater basin was constructed along which the rainwater is discharged slowly into existing or new canals.

With these works, Aquafin collects the wastewater of 1,100 residents of Lubbeek and Bierbeek, which used to end up in the road canals, and connects it to the sewerage network. In time, this can be increased to 1400 inhabitants.

New sewerage system, new cycle path

Installing a sewer system is always accompanied by the reconstruction of a new road surface. In the zones where sewerage was installed, the former roadway pavement was also renewed in asphalt (within the built-up area) or concrete (outside the built-up area).

A double bicycle path was also constructed, separated from the road surface, for a smooth and safe connection along the Ganzendries between Pellenberg and Lovenjoel. As an extra, the street lighting was replaced by modern energy-efficient LED lighting.

                             Bron Quote Theo Francken: artikel hln

New sewerage system, new cycle path

Installing a sewer system is always accompanied by the reconstruction of a new road surface. In the zones where sewerage was installed, the former roadway pavement was also renewed in asphalt (within the built-up area) or concrete (outside the built-up area).

A double bicycle path was also constructed, separated from the road surface, for a smooth and safe connection along the Ganzendries between Pellenberg and Lovenjoel. As an extra, the street lighting was replaced by modern energy-efficient LED lighting.

Sint-Bavoplein, Boechout

Sint-Bavoplein, Boechout

2019
Evolta›Projects›Sint-Bavoplein, Boechout
Client
Boechout municipal council
Location
Boechout
Architect
Team Public Space & Team Durable Mobility

Renewal and greening of a fragmented village centre

Comprehensive design brings village squares and residents together

How do you ensure that the core of your municipality becomes an amenity and meeting place again, rather than a busy traffic junction? The municipality of Boechout in Antwerp was looking for a partner to redevelop its fragmented village centre and found it in the teams of Evolta. We handled the entire study assignment, from the draft design and procurement documents to the planning, coordination and follow-up of the construction work. Our teams Public space and Sustainable mobility joined forces to reconnect Boechout’s three historic hotspots – and along with them, its inhabitants.

Koen T’Sijen
Burgemeester Boechout

Not one but two village squares

“The core of our municipality is literally sectioned by the Hovesteenweg, a major traffic axis of Boechout. As a result, we have not one, but two village squares: the Sint-Bavoplein around the Sint-Bavo church in the north, and the Jef van Hoofdplein around the library in the south. Both are miles away from the Green Step nature reserve, even though it runs parallel to the stone road.”

It is up to us to reconnect the village squares on either side of the road, to create more space for amenity and slowing down, and to draw the natural landscape into the centre.

A safe boulevard and authentic clay pavers

To create unity, we chose the same paving material on both squares. No asphalt, no concrete, but baked clay pavers. A material that invites you to slow down and enjoy your stay, and also provides a clear link to the history of the village. And in terms of urban furniture and greenery, too, we deliberately remained consistent. We then intertwined both squares, so to speak, with a cycling and walking boulevard. A line of trees along the boulevard had to shift the focus from the road to the boulevard.

We created the extra space by narrowing down the wide traffic lanes and clustering parking spaces in front of the library. This allowed car traffic to be almost completely excluded on the south side of the library, leaving plenty of room for a library garden and city park.

Finally, a nuanced landscaping design gradually brought the Boechout scenery into the centre: the closer to the surrounding landscape, the more natural and lush the design – the closer around the church and the road, the more urban. Thanks to the vegetation, most of the rainwater can either infiltrate on site or drain into the green areas and the fountain collection pit, ensuring not a drop of water will go to waste. Both the green areas and the presence of water reduce the ‘urban heat island effect’: a phenomenon in which the temperature in an urbanised area is higher than the surrounding rural area.

Today, the centre of Boechout represents green space and conviviality. Thanks to the new design of the public space, cycling, walking, strolling and playing are easy and safe. Inhabitants, visitors and schoolchildren can enjoy the new park behind the library and the adjacent library garden, which provides a connection to the Jef van Hoofdplein. The two village squares on either side of the narrowed road were given their own function: the Jef van Hoofdplein serves as a green events square, while the square in front of the church tower has an intimate residential character.

The icing on the cake? The project was recognised by the Public Green Space Association for its nuanced landscaping and climate-conscious design.