De Familiekring

An old building full of new energy

The former parish center De Familiekring in Wijgmaal replaced its old coat with a warm, insulating mantle. Less heat loss, more efficient energy consumption and a future open to renewable energy: it's all part of a sustainable repurposing into multi-family housing.

Small ecological footprint
The 1956 building was in need of a thorough energy update. The heating system was adapted to today's standards and prepared for the future: with just one small intervention, De Familiekring will soon be able to switch completely over to renewable energy. Thanks to a new roof, new joinery and facade insulation, the new residents are significantly reducing their ecological footprint.

Space that reinvents itself
The repurposing was no tabula rasa: the structure was almost entirely preserved. Consequently, the large, open spaces lend themselves perfectly to continuous reinvention without ever losing their character. The building already proved this several times: from parish center, it transformed into a family home, architectural office and, in 2018, a multi-family residence.

Wink to the past
The garden is communal: the perfect place for a chat or a barbecue with all the families. In doing so, the architects nod to the original purpose of the former parish center: to bring people together.

Architect: Nikolaj De Meulder (atelier rofu)