Multifunctional Residential Building in Brussels by Hé!

Future living – what could it look like? With its conversion of an old industrial building in Brussels, Hé! shows how sustainability, flexibility, and maximum living comfort can be combined.

The former industrial building sits in Molenbeek, a municipality northwest of central Brussels, amidst numerous workshops and industrial spaces. Recognizing the need for urban densification, the architects opted to build upward, crowning the existing structure with a new extension.

Residential building with studio and coworking

The project entailed the building’s renovation and conversion into a residential building with an artist studio and coworking space. Alongside the communal living concept, the design prioritizes circular economy principles.

Flexible floor plan

The artist studio and coworking space are on the ground floor, while the living areas are on the upper floors. The floor plan is designed for maximum flexibility so that rooms can be adapted for different functions in the future. The smaller dwellings on the ground floor, for example, can later be connected to the living areas on the upper floors.

Tiled surfaces extend from the bathtub area onto the terrace, connecting interior and exterior. © Tim Van de Velde

Forward-looking design

The design prioritizes sustainability. Columns and beams use loose bolted connections, making them easy to dismantle and reuse, as is the roof extension with its timber frame construction and exposed beams.

Resource-saving building materials

The materials were also chosen according to the principles of the circular economy. Bio-based materials like wood, hemp, and straw are used for construction and insulation, and geo-based materials like rammed earth and clay are used for plastering.

Short transport routes were favoured: the straw bales used for insulation were sourced from a nearby farm, while the earth and clay came from earthmoving companies in Brussels. Existing elements like floors, stairs, and tiles were refurbished and supplemented by reused materials.

The new white brick facade echoes the historic brickwork. © Tim Van de Velde

The architects show that materials like straw, clay, and wood are viable for urban construction, not just rural contexts. This project exemplifies how architecture can enable a resource-efficient future.