VIVA Architecture: The Duke

New ways of working - NWOW City life Reconversion and renovation

The new office building replaces an existing building that is part of the first wave of urbanization in the city of Brussels. It has been inventoried as architectural heritage, just like various buildings in the Rue Ducale, including the neighboring building of the French Embassy.

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The original building, consisting of a rear extension in the garden with 5 layers and a front extension with 3 layers, is completely taken care of with the exception of the front facade.

In order to better match the urban fabric, the design of the new office building creates a rear building with 3 floors and a front building with 5 floors. These front and rear buildings are connected by a passage, creating an inner courtyard.

The neoclassical facade is completely restored. In close consultation with Heritage and the City of Brussels, a contemporary volume is added on top of the front building. The created volume is sober, yet very detailed, and is separated from the building of the French Embassy. In the facade, a single travée with window is transformed into a gate that gives access to the underground garage.

The use of materials is carefully tailored to the existing image of the street. The facades are finished in beige natural stone. To provide a contrast with the restored neoclassical façade, the added structure on the street side is carried out in a dark tone.

The interior is designed according to the principles of "NWOW" (New Ways Of Working) and provides different types of workplaces for the Flemish Justice House that takes up residence in the building. The look of the interior is contemporary, but warm. A homely feeling is created by using wood and natural stone. The entry of daylight is also optimized to contribute to working comfort.

The use of materials for the facades is extended inwards and at the same time the floor finishes inside are consistently extended to the outside. This to enhance the spaciousness of the building and create continuity between inside and outside.

Location : Rue Ducale, Brussels

Area : 2.300 m²

Date : 2019 - 2020 on site

Client : Life Tree Estate

Team : FI Engineering, 3S, Brouae, Dwek