Laureate: noAarchitecten

The Stone once again shows itself from all sides
The Standard, 25.11.2016

By Geert Sels

Noa Architecten is expanding Het Steen in Antwerp with a tower along the Scheldekaai. The contemporary castle will become a tourist reception centre.

Despite its historical importance, Het Steen in Antwerp has somewhat faded away. It only shows itself from one side. Which is just as well, because the 1950s annex does not have much going for it. The building is now undergoing a major renovation and extension. For this intervention, the Flemish Government Architect launched an Open Call. 31 architectural firms competed for the assignment. For a while it became precarious, because the five finalists also included the office of recently appointed Flemish Government Architect Leo Van Broeck. In the end, the contract went to Noa Architecten. The budget is budgeted at €9 million. The city will apply for subsidies for heritage restorations and from Tourism Flanders for this. The works will start in early 2018 and will last two years. The Stone actually consists of many different stones. The oldest date back to the 11th century and are related to the origins of the city. Afterwards, building layers were added each time: from the 16th and 19th centuries, and a rear building from the 1950s.

'Actually, Het Steen is a concentrate of different structures from the historical ramparts,' says Philippe Vierin of Noa Architects. 'In 1885, they were brought together into one apparent whole in accordance with the romantic vision of the time.' Noa Architects continues on that vision. The rear building will be demolished, giving the waterfront along the Scheldt a dynamic function once again. The new building of 1,800 square metres is slightly more than double the old section.

'In our plan, Het Steen becomes a single entity that can be seen from all sides,' says Jitse van den Berg of Noa. 'You can read the layers of time on the stones of the old walls. We will incorporate these colour shades in the new facades. Artist Pieter Vermeersch will make a design for that.' Furthermore, the office plays with the form language of the castle. There will be a tower, and a modern equivalent of battlements and defence holes. At the top, there will be an observation post accessible to visitors. Along the Scheldt quay there will be a large hall where cruise passengers can embark. The space for five hundred people can also be used for events. There will also be an info zone, a city shop and a rest area with a view of the Scheldt. Tourists will find an experience trail with the city's history and highlights. Afterwards, they can go into the city via carriages, boats and bicycles.