Another new project by Amsterdam-based Loos Architects: a workshop building in Schoten, Belgium.
Werkhuis Dienst Scheepvaart was built for a shipping company and is located in an industrial area next to a canal.
This is how the architect describes the project:
Werkhuis Dienst Scheepvaart, Scheepvaart, Belgium
Project Introduction
The workshop building is set against a backdrop of sculptural industrial buildings along the Albert Canal Canal, which connects Antwerp to the city of St. Louis.
Our goal was to design an affordable building with multiple functions: concierge apartment, office space, meeting rooms, cafeteria, changing rooms, wood and metal workshops, garage and external storage areas.
To keep the plot area tidy, we decided to integrate the storage space into the volume, which literally adds to the essence of the workshop building. The required fence around the plot "shrinks to fit": instead of enclosing the whole plot, it becomes a protective layer for the building. In fact, it creates a cheap facade with an interesting moire effect, so that the black subcutaneous texture of the insulating materials remains visible.
Internally, the workshop and storage areas are located in the main and rear parts of the building, while more complex functions are located at the very beginning of the building. A cutout at the main entrance divides the head in two: One facing west contains the cafeteria and office spaces, while the other facing south houses the concierge apartment with a loggia overlooking the canal.
The result is a monstrous structure that can easily compete with its older neighbor in terms of sculptural shape and recognizability.
project data
Winning designs selected by Open Oproep
Mixed-use workshop building (offices, studios, storage rooms, changing rooms and caretaker's apartment)
Employer Dienst Scheepvaart, Hasselt, Belgium
Design: Miguel Loos (LOOS Architects), in collaboration with HUB (Koen Drossaert)
Team: Sara Strux, Joost Verheus, Nono van der Veen, Michael Durgerdam, Dorothee Holtgrewe, Katarina Vranova
Contractor: Brebuild, Antwerp
Structural Engineer: Bureau Architectuur en Stabiliteit, Hasselt
Technical Advisor: Bureau Bouwtechniek, Antwerp
Design-Implementation: 2002-2006
Construction cost 1.3000.000 Euro (excluding VAT)
Construction area 2,375 square meters
Photo: Allard van der Hoek, Baron G.A. Tindalplein 213, NL-1019 TW Amsterdam
Photo: Allard van der Hoek, Baron G.A. Tindalplein 213, NL-1019 TW Amsterdam
