Student Residence REGA Exterior Landscape / Ontwerpbureau Pauwels

Student Residence REGA Exterior Landscape  / Ontwerpbureau Pauwels - Exterior Photography, BrickStudent Residence REGA Exterior Landscape  / Ontwerpbureau Pauwels - Exterior Photography, WindowsStudent Residence REGA Exterior Landscape  / Ontwerpbureau Pauwels - Exterior Photography, WindowsStudent Residence REGA Exterior Landscape  / Ontwerpbureau Pauwels - Image 5 of 28Student Residence REGA Exterior Landscape  / Ontwerpbureau Pauwels - More Images+ 23

  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2016
  • Photographs
    Photographs:Studio Chloki
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Bovin, Dockx & Co., Etalutil, Jules Frans, Koppen, Piscaer/Bega, Stradus-Infra
  • Lead Architect: Michel Pauwels
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Student Residence REGA Exterior Landscape  / Ontwerpbureau Pauwels - Image 5 of 28
© Studio Chloki

Text description provided by the architects. During the converting of a number of buildings owned by the University of Louvain (KULeuven), part of the covering of the river Vunt collapsed. Until then, the Vunt was a hidden river flowing under the garden and the buildings. Ontwerpbureau Pauwels was called upon to examine the possible restoration of the damage and a solution for the trees standing right above the covered river.

Student Residence REGA Exterior Landscape  / Ontwerpbureau Pauwels - Exterior Photography, Windows
© Studio Chloki

In fact, their roots were at the origin of the problem : searching for water, they caused the concrete of the covering to crack and, eventually, after years to completely collapse. Rather than restoring the collapsed covering, the landscape architects proposed a thorough transformation: “unveil” the hidden water and go for a concept with a strong water related experience. KULeuven, the owners of the terrain and VMM, the administrator of the river, were excited and fully supported this approach.

Student Residence REGA Exterior Landscape  / Ontwerpbureau Pauwels - Image 25 of 28
© Studio Chloki

The riverbed was opened up over the entire length of the terrain and finished with masonry walls. In the garden area, the quay walls “fold open” and the riverbed is formed by playful positioned, descending terrace plateaus in prefab concrete slabs. As a result, the students can enjoy an attractive, sun-oriented, recessed relaxation area along the water.

Student Residence REGA Exterior Landscape  / Ontwerpbureau Pauwels - Exterior Photography, Windows
© Studio Chloki
Student Residence REGA Exterior Landscape  / Ontwerpbureau Pauwels - Image 26 of 28
Student Residence REGA Exterior Landscape  / Ontwerpbureau Pauwels - Image 27 of 28
Student Residence REGA Exterior Landscape  / Ontwerpbureau Pauwels - Image 18 of 28
© Studio Chloki

Stepping-stones offer the opportunity to cross the river “through” the water. The colour of the concrete slabs gradually darkens in the descend. The seating area is bordered on three sides by quay walls.

Student Residence REGA Exterior Landscape  / Ontwerpbureau Pauwels - Exterior Photography, Windows
© Studio Chloki

A concrete bridge with handrail, situated against the building, crosses the Vunt and leads cyclists to three covered bike stands with vegetative roofs, scattered over the garden and connected with each other by pedestrian/bicycle paths in concrete stone.

Student Residence REGA Exterior Landscape  / Ontwerpbureau Pauwels - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade
© Studio Chloki

The garden is conceived as an open courtyard with a variety of –predominantly multi-stemmed- trees, with different leaf colour and flowering times. Hanging plants adorn the quay walls. Shallow wadis in the grassy plateaus serve as water storage and infiltration on site of the rainwater.

Student Residence REGA Exterior Landscape  / Ontwerpbureau Pauwels - Exterior Photography, Waterfront, Windows

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Project location

Address:Sint-Maartenstraat 55, 3000 Leuven, Belgium

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Student Residence REGA Exterior Landscape / Ontwerpbureau Pauwels" 14 Oct 2019. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/926354/student-residence-rega-exterior-landscape-ontwerpbureau-pauwels> ISSN 0719-8884

© Studio Chloki

鲁汶大学学生宿舍外部景观改造 REGA / Ontwerpbureau Pauwels

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