Waregem
The Goed te Beaulieu site has something truly unique. Beyond the fact that it is protected heritage and its architectural value is literally written down on paper, a visit to the site stirs a whole range of emotions. The green polder landscape along the Leie leaves few people untouched. But that alone is not what makes this place exceptional. The old Frankish layout, with six buildings clustered around a central courtyard, is rarely encountered — certainly not in such a largely unspoiled state as it exists here.
The buildings seem to embrace the visitor, just like the open space in which they rest. Between the buildings, glimpses of the surrounding landscape appear — hints of the wide panorama the buildings were designed to shield you from. Safe and open at the same time. But above all: slow. Goed te Beaulieu slows you down. A quality we increasingly lose in today’s hurried society.
The new programme the client hopes to introduce on the site is encouraging. Not exclusive functions for the happy few, even though these could easily be integrated here. Instead, a slow café — a place that puts people first. Just like the site itself, the project that will take shape here invites visitors to slow down. A place where everyone can work, live, dwell or participate at their own pace.
We see no added value in building something new; it would sooner detract from what already exists. That is why the first and only justified step is to examine whether the new programme can be accommodated within the existing structures. Nothing is more sustainable than not building. Can we organise the required programme within the buildings already on the site today, without losing sight of functionality? We believe we can.
The plan presented here responds to the most pressing questions in terms of programme, heritage and budget. It combines the proposed functions with the maximum conservation and restoration of the existing buildings, within the available budget. The exterior of the buildings remains entirely preserved and no disruptive or visually intrusive additions are made. The closed character of the buildings — integral to their heritage value — is maintained in the design. And importantly, the proposal still leaves room for future expansion.
Public
fase: wedstrijd
Jaar: 2024
Locatie: Waregem
i.s.m. Erfgoed en Visie, Jan Minne, Sensible Atelier, Four Mind, Atelier Bau
