HISTORY

The old police station on the corner of Bredabaan and Leopoldslei was acquired by Dexia, at the time Gemeentekrediet van België, which bought it from the municipality of Brasschaat.

The town council stipulated that the main building needed to be preserved in view of its status as an important element in the streetscape. Thus the building would be made up of a historic part along Bredabaan and a newbuild, to replace an existing structure, along Leopoldslei.

Preliminary designs were discussed with the municipal planning advice committee and resulted in a design combining old and new elements, with respect for the visual language of both periods.

ARCHITECTURE

The newbuild, with its clear-cut stark form, is obviously present in the streetscape, but at the same manages to be subordinate to the historic part of the building.
The loose canopy stretches upwards to join the cornice of the part that was preserved: the low-rise behind it merges with the main volume, which has been made visible via the transparent bridge on the street side between the old and the new part of the building. This glass tunnel highlights the difference, while the stairs emphasize the building's functional connection.
The existing building is recognized as the main building. People enter the bank via the existing entrance door along Bredabaan. The 'old' volume maintains its closed and stately character.

The newbuild behaves in an austere and subordinate manner, with the large glass facades, which reflect the street. Inside the contrast between old and new is clearly visible. The newbuild sparkles thanks to surprising views and light which falls in in unexpected corners.

Zenital light falls in through the roof and floors. The glass wall in the meeting rooms resembles a windscreen, which floats within the construction. The inner garden penetrates the volume, like a stark volume.