In Lo-Reninge, among the polders, the Brussels-Ghent-based firm ECTV is making its mark on the austere ‘reconstruction architecture’ of the Westhoek region with two projects. Brick plays a leading role in each, in a subtle interplay of preservation and renewal.

The Westhoek region suffered greatly during the First World War. After the large-scale destruction, an unprecedented construction boom began; entire villages and neighbourhoods had to be rebuilt from scratch. Initially, the aim was to recreate the familiar living environment. The reconstruction architecture was inspired in a sober and simple way by local traditional architecture, local typologies, ornaments and construction details, without falling into a specific style. Its strength and significance lay not so much in the individual buildings, but in the totality and cohesion. The use of materials is typical: brick architecture, mainly with the characteristic yellow colour.