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QVille, an ecological co-housing derived from former stables

B-architecten renovates a series of farm buildings in Essen to create 44 private dwellings with shared services and spaces: brick, wood and pitched roofs maintain the connection with the natural context.

QVille is a co-housing project located in an agricultural area of Essen, Belgium, not far from the natural reserve of Kalmthoutse Heide and the city centre. B-architecten renovated a series of former stables to create a residential village that combines private accommodation with shared spaces, creating an internal community and fostering sociality and collaboration among the inhabitants.

QVille
B-architecten, QVille. Photo ©Lucid

QVille has a total of 13 buildings and 44 dwellings spread over an area of 1.7 hectares: it is a true neighbourhood with pathways connecting the different volumes. The units, which range in size from one to four bedrooms, have a private garden overlooking the internal passages or the surrounding fields.

QVille
B-architecten, QVille. Plan ©B-architecten

Common spaces include an indoor swimming pool and wellness area, work spots and a patio for socializing – equipped with a table and kitchen – and flanked by a pond. In addition, among the services for the inhabitants, there are numerous bicycle sheds, a car sharing parking and solar energy charging stations. Along the main facade of the village there are also spaces for tourists, such as a pub and a B&B, while an information area is located at the entrance.

QVille
B-architecten, QVille. Photo ©Lucid

Each volume maintains its original architectural elements: the brick or dark wood cladding and the double-pitched roof typical of stables, in this case renovated by the studio with the addition of new shingles and skylight windows. Qville is equipped with solar panels and a rainwater recovery system. 

Project:
Qville
Location:
Essen, Belgium
Program:
Co-housing
Architects:
B-architecten
Team:
Christophe Combes, Evert Crols, Mira De Winne, Dirk Engelen, Jenne Gits, Sven Grooten, Inês Lou renço, Steven Stessens, Sietse Van Doorslaer, Brecht Van Duppen
Client:
HEEM
Area:
5,966 sqm
Completion:
2020

Time Space Existence: the Future of Architecture In Venice

Until November 23, 2025, Venice is the global hub for architectural discussion with "Time Space Existence." This biennial exhibition, spearheaded by the European Cultural Centre, features projects from 52 countries, all focused on "Repairing, Regenerating, and Reusing" for a more sustainable future.

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