Within the walls of an old factory in a somewhat forgotten corner of Ghent, close to Dampoort station, Flanders’ largest cohousing project has been built. The three austere, sturdy yet somewhat irregularly shaped blocks, ranging from five to eight storeys, house 59 families, a range of communal spaces, a communal garden and a local health centre. The complex, designed by Bogdan & Van Broeck, is a rare and impressive example of sustainable and energy-efficient construction.

It all began with a competition organised by SoGent in 2009 to repurpose the impressive sawtooth-roofed complex of the metalworking company Malmar, which originally housed the Baertsoen en Buysse textile factory. It borders Bijgaardepark to the south, the railway line to the west and Dendermondsesteenweg to the east. The railway lines ran right into the complex, where the Deborah Lambillotte Path now runs.