Living, working, and showcasing along the main road

Commissioned by GML Estate, we designed a hybrid building for living, working, and commerce in Sint-Martens-Latem. Given the desire to accommodate this complex program within a single envelope (subject to strict regulations), we had to find the right connections and creative solutions to give each space the proper size and qualities. Our ambitions for this building are threefold: to create a strong place that dares to tell its own story; to build a generous structure that, with a rational framework, can house various programs simultaneously and over time; and to make a collective space that brings light and air into the building and connects people.

The design is based on three equal parts. A robust base that houses the commercial space a showroom for cars. A front volume that slides into the base, accommodating the offices for GML Estate. A rear volume that is set into the base, providing 8 residential lofts. Together, they form a clear, linear envelope situated in a gently rolling landscape. Between the apartments and offices, a rooftop garden is created on the first floor. This garden is lushly planted and offers a calming presence for both the residences and offices, serving as a necessary buffer between the two. All entrances are placed on one side to ensure clear and straightforward site access. For the robust base, we use a concrete structure: simple, yet detailed and nuanced, with a rich, deep color that gives it a classy appearance. For the volumes placed inside, we provide softly reflective aluminum cassette panels.