SPATIAL CONTEXT
The existing warehouse, made up of an old foundry with brick walls, will be refurbished as a cafeteria for the personnel of the sheltered workshop “De Brug”. The building’s individual character and zeitgeist as well as the industrial yet dramatic features are maintained. The original building, a monumental shed, dates from the nineteenth century, but was completely destroyed during World War II. During the reconstruction, the volumetrics were maintained. On the outside of the building, we have only added the necessary safety elements such as an emergency stairwell and emergency exits.First the existing construction was upgraded. The inside and outside walls and the existing steel structure were cleaned and fully restored. The outside joinery and roof were replaced. In the walls and the roof additional openings were created to obtain a more interesting and lively play of light.
The staff cafeteria was placed in the middle of the shed, like a new free-standing BOX-IN-BOX, away from the existing walls. In so doing, a clear distinction is made between the existing structure and the architectural intervention. Historically speaking, the foundry is an important element on the site. The building is differentiated from the other sheds, by painting the outside walls in a warm terra-cotta colour.
The new cafeteria has three levels:
- groundfloor: common spaces (= entrance, facilities, storage space, technical space, cloakrooms and small meeting rooms).
- first floor: a cafeteria and a large catering kitchen with self-service.
- second floor: reception space and large meeting room.
