Dendermonde - Redevelopment of a social housing complex

In consultation with the city of Dendermonde, the housing corporation stek92 wants to realize a high-quality, mixed social project by redeveloping three existing residential buildings and a garage area. The project, with an estimated total budget of €31,500,000 (excl. VAT and fees), will deliver a future-proof, high-quality housing environment that is fully integrated in its context. A total of approximately 175 new social housing units for senior citizens will be created, supplemented by a services centre with community facilities. 

The social housing corporation stek92 is committed to creating high-quality, affordable and sustainable housing in Flanders. Its mission – to create future-oriented housing environments that strengthen social cohesion – forms the basis for this strategic project. With this development, stek92 wants not only to respond to current housing needs, but also to contribute to a sustainable and inclusive society.

The project site is located in a historic garden city of Dendermonde, a district with a recognizable urban structure, lots of greenery and a distinct architectural identity. This characteristic environment offers a unique opportunity to realize a contemporary housing project that deals respectfully with the context while responding to today’s needs.

An in-depth redevelopment of the three existing residential buildings is urgently needed. They present serious structural problems, such as concrete rot and outdated, energy-inefficient technical equipment. The interiors no longer meet present-day occupation standards for living area and living quality. 

The development of an underutilized garage area is an important opportunity for this project. The transformation of this space in function of a full-fledged residential programme is a unique opportunity to use the site more efficiently and enable a phased relocation. 

The client is aiming for a high-quality redevelopment that is fully in line with the design guidelines and financing model of Wonen in Vlaanderen (WiV, Living in Flanders). The ambition is to create a sustainable, energy-efficient and socially integrated living environment that fits in with the existing garden city in architectural, spatial and functional terms.

The objective is to retain the existing number of storeys and the offer of housing types 1/2. The ground floor of building 4 (Residentie Zonnebloem) currently houses a services centre with community facilities. A change of function is being considered to enable the integration of social housing. The complete decoupling of the existing LDC Zonnebloem services centre from the residential buildings is desirable. The services provided by the services centre will continue to be guaranteed during the works. 

The relation between the residential buildings, the private or collective outdoor space and the public space needs to be thoroughly rethought. The accessibility of the district and the surrounding green spaces play a crucial role in promoting social interaction and liveability. A comprehensive vision must be set out for the redevelopment of the three inner courtyards. In addition, a study must be carried out in relation to mobility, parking facilities and bicycle parking spaces.

The social housing corporation stek92 aims to develop affordable housing with a focus on senior citizens, paying particular attention to accessibility and community building. The corporation has in mind a contemporary design in harmony with its surroundings, prioritizing budget-friendly architecture and use of materials but also sustainable and circular design. The assignment comprises several construction phases, with the realization of a residential building on the former site of the garage area and building 1 (Residentie Vlasbloem) corresponding to the first phase. 

The design team is asked to explore creative and cost-conscious solutions within social housing standards, as well as to consider how the project can contribute to a sustainable and inclusive society.