Destrier Housing Block, Located along Chaussée de Louvain in Brussels, the project is embedded in a heterogeneous urban fabric.
© Tomás Barberá Ramallo
Built on a linear site (130 m x 40–50 m), it offers a deep yet sensitive transformation of the area. It includes the demolition and reconstruction of two outdated buildings (43 units) and the construction of 130 new social and mid-income homes, encouraging social and typological diversity. It also features the Maison Destrier, a civic facility for community uses, and redesigned public spaces.
© Tomás Barberá Ramallo
The project is structured around a “folded ribbon” design, offering both built continuity and urban porosity. Green pockets, visual openings, and connections to existing elements shape the intervention. Building heights range from five to three stories, creating a smooth transition and harmonious integration.
© Tomás Barberá Ramallo
Despite the demolition, a strong reuse strategy was implemented: reglit glass and cement tiles were carefully salvaged, restored, and reintegrated, a symbolic and practical gesture proving that large-scale projects can also embrace sustainability.
© Tomás Barberá Ramallo
The Maison Destrier, an open civic space, plays a central role in community life. It already hosts various activities (shared gardens, beekeeping, classes, workshops, composting), supported by participatory management. It fosters intergenerational ties and local initiatives, becoming a true anchor for the neighborhood.
© Tomás Barberá Ramallo
Far from anonymous mass housing, this project offers over 50 different housing typologies, tailored to diverse life paths. The 130 homes are spread across 13 adjoining buildings with separate entrances, forming small clusters of 4 to 22 units. This human-scale organization enhances a sense of belonging, interaction, and well-being.
Project Info
Architects: Pierre Blondel Architectes
Country: Belgium, Bruxelles
Area: 13650 m²
Year: 2024
Photographs: Tomás Barberá Ramallo
Manufacturers Wienerberger, Aliplast, COMINOTTO, Forbo, Kone, Sto ltd, Stradus, Struyk Verwo: Wienerberger
Lead Team: Pierre Blondel
Design Team: Geneviève Van Ranst, Beatriz Gonzalez Ruiz, Clément Panier des Touches, Andrei Miulescu
Engineering & Consulting > Mep: IRS
Engineering & Consulting > Structural: BESP
Engineering & Consulting > Environmental Sustainability: Climatex
Project Management: Gbar-Codives
General Constructing: Cordeel
Isabelle Laurent is a Built Projects Editor at Arch2O, recognized for her editorial insight and passion for contemporary architecture. She holds a Master’s in Architectural Theory from École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-Belleville. Before joining Arch2O in 2016, she worked in a Paris-based architectural office and taught as a faculty adjunct at the École Spéciale d’Architecture in Paris. Isabelle focuses on curating projects around sustainability, adaptive reuse, and urban resilience. With a background in design and communication, she brings clarity to complex ideas and plays a key role in shaping Arch2O’s editorial