VIVA Architecture: De kleine kasteeltjes

For residential care 'De Kleine Kasteeltjes', the existing campus in Tongeren was expanded with a new construction of 32 care rooms. Within the strict contours of the environment, over two floors - one for the elderly & needy, one for the demented & visually impaired - making 'one large - but flexible - house' was seen as the main leitmotif!

Due to its specific location - in the middle of the inner area - the new building and - newly laid out - garden zone interact that enhances the experience of the inner spaces. The new building is hereby understood as that of 'a modern (oversized) villa'! This results in a contemporary architecture that - yet sober - exudes a 'luxury'. This is reinforced by the materialization of the interior spaces with homely & resilient materials - in wood & natural stone. The result is an (economically) high-quality finished RCC.

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Within the functioning of the RCC, much importance is given to; 'giving the residents a relaxed feeling'. Both in terms of care and quality of life, there is a lot of attention for physical & mental health. The interior is conceived in such a way as to preserve the continuity of 'existing life'! A kitchen - with dining area - is provided per unit, a lounge, ... so that they can bake cakes themselves, cook together, receive visitors or watch TV, ... A direct connection and the possibility to walk in the garden belongs to the experience of 'the own house'! The residents can grow old here with dignity - and in a 'familiar' environment!

The individual rooms are also designed in such a way that they each provide space for a few 'own pieces of furniture' & 'relics' - to which the residents are attached. The bathrooms are designed 'oversized' so that they are easily accessible, and the residents can still wash themselves easily. The bathroom can be opened completely - towards the room - through a sliding 'fumed' glass wall. In this state, a hall is created so that no visitor can just enter the room. This way, privacy is maintained at all times!

integration stability & techniques; The construction of the building is conceived in such a way - with smart spans - that the 32 rooms are adaptable, reversible & expandable; family rooms are provided, but it is also possible to combine or separate rooms; depending on prevailing requirements.

We can consider the project - within its zeitgeist - as progressive - with underfloor heating, solar panels, a heat pump and geothermal drilling, a green roof,... It is also technologically innovative due to a home automation system that supports the needy & demented!

Location : Tongeren

Area : 3.625 m²

Date : 2014 - 2017

Client : De Kleine Kasteeltjes Tongeren

Team : Atro Bouw, Studiebureau Peeters-De Belder, Boydens Engineering, Steto

Photography : Koen Broos