Oostende - The Three Plane Trees

Sint-Monica npo has since 1981 provided high-quality residential care for the elderly in great need in Ostend. The statement of the task of the npo is founded on two pillars: care for the residents and care for the staff. The following has been set as an aim for the future: Sint-Monica npo intends to develop a varied, flexible and high-quality range of care for the elderly. At the same time we pursue a well-founded staff policy that creates a healthy, instructive and agreeable climate for employees. We contribute to creating a positive image of the elderly and maintain an open mind regarding interaction with our surroundings.

The npo’s present offer (a rest and care home and service flat facilities) is housed in a converted hospital and this defines the present infrastructure. To achieve its plans for expansion, the npo has an unused building site of about 7,000 m² at a distance of 3km from the present campus, where we wish to provide an innovative and more appropriate structure. The intended elements of the programme for the new site are: a rest and care home (including short-stay centre) with 98 units, 4 dwellings for assisted living, a day-care centre, a medical-social centre and a public restaurant.

The site is on a major trunk road 400m from the beach, along the recreational strip called ‘the green ribbon’ and adjoining a municipal park and an extensive open space with a view of the airport. The elements of the surroundings provide many opportunities for the integration of the project into the social and natural context. We expect high-quality architecture and that the structures are located on the site in a well-considered manner. The best possible comfort for the clients and carers is also crucial. The architectural structure should also underpin an innovative and integrated care concept and an innovative approach to the organisation of labour (with an emphasis on coaching and self-management). The core values for the concept are: care for the residents and staff, openness and social stimuli, domesticity and respect for privacy, ergonomics and efficient management, removal of barriers between departments, accessibility and a positive image, freedom of movement and views, safety, ecology and, lastly, affordability.

The drawing up of a master-plan for the site and the adjoining municipal land (with a neighbourhood vegetable garden, play facilities and field for events) is currently the subject of the Master Test organised by the Flemish Government Architect. The design assignment involved here must build on this master-plan, which may still be in the finishing stages).

In this assignment, timing is crucial. The principal insists on submitting an application for planning permission and for subsidies (financial-technical plan) to the VIPA by October and November 2014 respectively.

Overall fee min. 8%, max. 11% (for architecture, stability, technical installations, EPB, grounds and landscape architecture)

Timing:

Award of the brief to the designer(s): early June 2014

Submission of planning application: October 2014 (deadline!)

Submission of financial-technical plan (VIPA): November 2014 (deadline!)

Award of job to contractor(s): 2015

Scheduled end of work: 2016