Neerland Construction Zones B/D

In collaboration with Hub, Areal Architects, Matexi and Talboom, Karres en Brands has created a design for an ecological district in Wilrijk, Belgium. Located in the greater Antwerp region, Neerland is an important link in the Superpark Zuiderpark ecosystem. In order to integrate the Neerland construction project into Antwerp’s ecosystem, our proposal focuses on creating a unique living environment based on the natural conditions already present on site, namely topography, water and green.

The Neerland design aims to strike a balance between nature and culture, creating a spectrum of different atmospheres. On the north side, the sturdy building volumes and stone-paved square coincide with Wilrijk’s mineral character and urban structure. Located on the Krijgslaan, the square is part of the green boulevard along the park and serves as an entrance to the new neighbourhood. The southern portion of the site is in harmony with the park’s natural landscape and reinforces the design’s ecological values. Surrounding this area is the Park van Eeden; therefore, the site’s relationship with the park plays a crucial role in the design. On one hand, there are plenty of opportunities to interweave the park landscape and the new district; on the other, it is important to ensure careful transitions from public to private space. These transitions are formed through the clever use of height differences. The entire area is divided into four terraces, which culminate in a landscape balcony facing the park.

Through an extensive system of green roofs, wadis, water-permeable materials and small-scale canals, the design allows rainwater to be filtered on site and reused in a sustainable manner. Not only does this natural filtration system and separation of water flows reduce pressure on the sewer system, it also creates a visible change in the public space: pathways are transformed into footbridges over the water, gutters become streams that highlight the area’s topography, and delightful water gardens are formed in front of people’s homes. These innovations ensure that sustainability is achieved on a human scale, offering a high quality of living for the present and future.