RESTORATION AND EXPANSION OF A HISTORICAL VILLA, RONSE

34 houses for assistant living + multipurpose spaces / 13 apartments / 1 restaurant

This project is located in the center of Ronse, on the domain of the protected, historical villa ‘Woning Vangrootenbruel’, that for a long time awaited a new destination. The challenge was to restore the decrepit building complex into its former glory without blemishing the original design. Architecten Demeestere + Garmyn & Partners frames every subject within a larger, spatial and sociocultural context. Therefore the mix between conserving the old and implementing the newwas of utmost importance.

The new design La Peregrina unites buildings for seniors and apartments for families. The sustainable building project includes the:

  • restoration of monumental buildings
  • restoration of the historical garden from 1928 which now serves as an outdoor catering area
  • build of 13 apartments and 34 houses for assistant living

LINK BETWEEN PRESENT AND PAST

The site covers quite a number of diverse zones each having their own identity. Every square or patio has its own story. The newly implanted buildings communicate via their contemporary architecture with the monument and in this way support the weaving of past and present. Created around the city house, being connected to the city garden and having a link with the enclosed scenic remnants of the city, the project keeps, fortifies and unites the forces that have arisen throughout time.

CONNECTING THE SITE AND THE CITY

The uniqueness of the site was preserved, but at the same time the city is pulled in by the design of an urban square and the confrontation with the underlying urban landscape. When constructing these new properties we ensured that the protected villa was visually not overshadowed. Thanks to this harmony the dialogue between urban, contemporary architecture and organic heritage remains.

THE 5 PILLARS OF THE NEW SITE

  1. keeping the enclosed, protected site as an ‘island’ within the city
  2. restoring the historical garden from 1928
  3. building a main entrance on the left side of the site as to facilitate the people who are less mobile to enter without changing the entrance of the building
  4. implanting different volumes to create clearly distinguishable atmospheres
  5. limiting car access, providing electrical transportation on the site and installing charging stations for electric cars

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION

In the restoration project contemporary architecture was used to restore the monument into its former glory and to give it a different destination. Do you want to know more about this ambitious project? Contact us for information or an appointment without engagement.