As this historic site had for centuries been divided into narrow medieval plots, the architects chose to retain this subdivision not only in terms of functionality but also in the structural layout. In doing so, they avoided the pitfall of façadism and respected the genius loci of this prominent location on Mechelen’s Market Square. Each plot was therefore given its own load-bearing structure, consisting of traditional load-bearing party walls infilled with precast concrete floor slabs. At certain intermediate levels, timber floors were provided, allowing the user, both now and in the future, to easily decide whether or not to introduce double-height spaces in order to enhance the spatial experience. The roof structure, by contrast, is composed of steel trusses to achieve the most open possible attic level. For the distinctive façade treatment, conceived differently for each plot, specific prefabricated concrete elements were developed, among others, and were awarded by FeBe in the category “Precast in Buildings”

FEBE Elements Awards 2019, category Precast in Buildings : new construction of a corner building with 5 small housing units and 2 retail spaces, Mechelen (DMVA-14-MARKT), architect : dmva architecten