CLIENT
PROF-PROJECTS BVBA
ARCHITECT
Architectenvennootschap Beneens-Heynen bvba
CONTRACTOR
Bouwbedrijf BLOEMEN Jos bvba (Heusden-Zolder)
FACING BRICKS
PROCESSING
partly brickwork/partly thin bed mortar
Photos: © Liesbet Goetschalckx
Ochre-tinted Brick M enhances contrast between different processing methods
Striking, timess and innovative brick architecture
It was not by chance that ‘Residentie Corda’ comprising 15 apartments and one office space was given its name. ‘Corda’ is a German motorcycle manufacturer specialising in sidecar combinations, asymmetric constructions just like the architecture of the building.
There is a strict balance between the low-rise section on the left and the mid-rise section on the right. ‘Corda’ is a powerful, clear and unique concept that is emphasised by the timeless and yet innovative architecture. It is also in a defining, prominent location at the gateway of Hasselt in the Kempen region.
Residentie Corda has a contemporary, timeless architecture, created using sustainable materials. The combination of low-rise and mid-rise and the seemingly arbitrary positioning of the windows and indoor terraces create a façade that is not only playful and exciting but also structured at the same time.
The well-conceived layout of the floor plan, the clever planting, the variation in the construction (low-rise - medium-rise) as well as the innovative and timeless but also sober and subtle façade all combine to create a defining building that integrates harmoniously with its surroundings.
The subtle variation in the processing of the Hand-Made Nature7 Brick M facing brick, with alternating types of jointing (traditional and thin bed mortar) for each floor, creates a surprising and innovative façade.
This stratification is enhanced by the decision to make windows and terraces extend from floor to ceiling.
"The ochre-tinted facing brick enhances the natural appearance of the innovative brick architecture that we wanted to create while harmonising with the green character of the adjacent parking zone.
In addition, this lighter colour shows off the contrast between the different processing methods perfectly", explains architect Roel Beneens.
The ecological brick7 format of the Nature7 Brick M was a major added advantage.
The reduced thickness of the cavity wall resulted in almost 1 m² of additional usable space on average which was essential in order to provide the minimum living space required.
