A2D opts for circular construction

From old customs building to creative hub

We take you to the past, to a 1906 customs building with bricks that whisper stories of a past full of border controls. Today, that heritage in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek is getting a new use: a creative hub where work and living come together.

Circular construction
For the construction of their new headquarters, architectural firm A2D focused on circular construction. The existing structures of the old building were retained wherever possible. The materials that had to disappear anyway were given a second life - on site or elsewhere. A building section that was too high? Then no demolition followed, but a clever transformation that turned the structure into a cozy winter garden.

Living and working spaces
The 3 apartments can be recognized by their original fireplaces and ceiling paneling. For the studios and office spaces, they opted for flexible, dry construction techniques so that the layout can easily evolve with time.

Durable materials
For the new materials that were necessary, they used predominantly bio-based materials, such as hemp blocks from IsoHemp. These are sustainable building blocks made from 100% natural raw materials: an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials. They also provide good acoustics. No more headaches after a long working day in a busy office!

A2D shows circular building at its best. A building with history got a future with vision thanks to them.