In Old Molenbeek, on Rue Mommaerts, AgwA’s project is a typical Brussels house, with an annexe and a veranda at the rear that need to be brought together. To avoid unnecessary demolition, the project follows a specific REUSE – REDUCE – RECYCLE approach, where priority is given to what already exists.
The first focus of the approach is Reuse: it is about finding potential in what already exists. The idea is not to start from scratch but to utilise the inherent qualities of the existing spaces, such as the natural light in the veranda, and to bring them together simply so that these spaces function as a whole. An opening is created between the existing annexe and the conservatory through a few simple interventions, avoiding unnecessary demolition. The reuse of elements present in other parts of the house is also explored, such as doors, bathroom fixtures or even the existing boiler.
Reduce, the second focus of the project, challenges the notion that creating a simple bay window necessarily requires the use of concrete or steel for reinforcement. Here, the project innovates by exploring a timber structure for the bay window opening. Three adjoining holiday cottages are supported by three timber columns between the veranda and the annexe. Synthetic materials are banned and natural insulation is favoured; thus, the roof is insulated with rock wool and blocks of hemp are used for the interior insulation.
The final focus of the project is Recycling: the recovery and reuse of existing building elements. For example, the wooden columns are supported on the existing foundation masonry using blue stone taken from the window sill of the window that was demolished to open up the kitchen space onto the garden. The cement tiles that will cover the floor have been salvaged from another site and carefully cleaned for reuse.
By taking existing elements seriously and prioritising more energy-efficient construction methods, the AgwA project innovates once again with timber construction, much like their previous Verbiest project. They thus demonstrate that experimentation on small-scale projects continues to shape their design approach.
