In the busy, densely built-up urban fabric of Borgerhout, Broekx-Schiepers architects designed a residential complex with six flats, four terraced houses and an underground car park surrounding a communal courtyard garden. The client, AG Vespa, aimed to use this project to create affordable, high-quality homes that are adapted to the diverse family compositions of the growing urban population. Broekx-Schiepers gave the project a remarkable individuality behind its recognisable urban face.

Jo Broekx is waiting for me under the large canopy in the snow-covered courtyard garden. The garden looks a little deserted now that the homes are still waiting for their first residents. The busy traffic entering and leaving the city via Turnhoutsebaan is very noticeable. Part of the block between Gijselsstraat and Gravinstraat is still undeveloped, which means that the courtyard garden along the side of the traffic axis is not yet enclosed. Nevertheless, as a visitor, you can immediately imagine that this communal garden will be a haven of peace in the lively surroundings. The six flats in Gravinstraat and the four terraced houses in Gijselsstraat were built around the courtyard garden (with garden shed and toilet), which forms the heart of the residential project.