Architectural Restoration in Ghent
AUX bureau voor architectuur en stedenbouw spearheaded an architectural revival in Ghent, Belgium, with the Brewery Reconversion project. Nestled within a 19th-century residential block on the outskirts of Ghent’s city center, this endeavor sought to breathe new life into the remnants of the ‘Ghentbruges Steambrewery,’ an industrial gem founded in 1890.
Historical Tapestry: Brewing and Decline
Initially famed for its innovative steam-driven machinery, the brewery’s success waned after World War I due to infrastructure damage and the prohibitive costs of small-scale brewing. Subsequently, the site transitioned through various phases, including periods of abandonment. Despite the challenges, three distinctive brick structures endured: the director’s house, the brewery building, and the iconic water tower.
Resilience and Revitalization
Since 2010, ongoing revitalization efforts have seen new occupants, with warehouses transformed into homes and new functional spaces emerging. The site now hosts a diverse array of occupants, including a carpenter, a steelworker, and an architecture officer. In 2016, the water tower and adjacent brewery building were put up for sale, marking the final phase of the ambitious revitalization project.
Architectural Challenges and Solutions
The conversion from an industrial facility to a blend of residential and commercial spaces posed a unique challenge. Urban regulations mandated the demolition of 1/3rd of the brewery’s footprint to create a ground-level garden. AUX bureau ingeniously proposed connecting the water tower and brewery as one unit, preserving the underlying floors while converting the back pitched roof into a roof garden. This innovative approach preserved living spaces, maximized daylight, and maintained the historical integrity of the structures.
A Symphony of Functions
The reimagined space now hosts a family house with its entrance at the majestic water tower, emphasizing circulation and nighttime functions. The top floor, adjacent to a roof garden, serves as the living area. Simultaneously, the brewery’s middle floor functions as an open-plan space for an architecture office, with workplaces and storage on the lower floor. The architectural composition seamlessly blends residential and commercial functions, creating a harmonious interplay between the two buildings.
Renewed Life in the Water Tower
The water tower, initially in a state of disrepair, underwent extensive restoration. The interior, once vacant, now features new stories connected by a spiral staircase. The addition of functional levels, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and technical rooms, transformed the tower into a contemporary living space. The meticulous restoration maintained the historical façade, creating a visual narrative that honors the building’s industrial past.
Rooftop Oasis and Spatial Ingenuity
The roof garden, nestled within the back pitched roof-volume, emerges as an outdoor ‘chamber.’ With remnants of the old roof forming a covered terrace, the garden exudes intimacy within the expansive building block. Original window openings offer subtle views of the surroundings, while a glass path ensures daylight permeates the underlying architecture office. This rooftop oasis, elevated above the cityscape, captures the essence of a treehouse, marrying natural elements with urban living.
A Fusion of Past and Present
The Brewery Reconversion project stands as a testament to AUX bureau’s adept blending of historical preservation and contemporary innovation. By navigating urban regulations creatively and honoring the industrial legacy, this architectural endeavor has not only revived neglected structures but also created a harmonious tapestry of residential and commercial spaces in the heart of Ghent.
