In October 2006 META was asked to design a number of dwellings for a new development on the Left Bank of Antwerp. A masterplan was designed by Design-Team Johan Van Reeth, with AWG Architects providing an image quality plan. Five architects were invited to complete this project.
The design consists of 27 individual family-units and a corner module of 4 houses on a collective car park. The dwellings are distinguished by a diagonal ridge line. This results in an a-typical roof form, which is re-enforced in alternation of units within the block. Through a rigorous application of this roof form in alternation, both uniformity and distinction in plan, surface and programme are created resulting in a rich and varied play of roofs.
In the use of a concrete plinth, tumbled brickwork eaves and zinc roof, the dwellings are given an interesting twist on the vertical order of the base, middle and top. The properties are adapted to the location, with the garden wall both echoing the plinth of the houses and acting as an extrusion of the boundary line.
The first phase of the development consists of 5 dwellings. The project as a whole is made up of neighbourhoods, each of these immediately being afforded a diverse architectural character through the use of different architects per neighbourhood. To date, META has completed 8 dwellings that are in use, with an additional 7 nearing completion. In phasing the development per neighbourhood, the opportunity to reappraise and adapt the project in terms of regulations and material use exists. For example, in the next phase there will be 4 timber-frame houses.
