VOSBERG

Co-housing project, with room for local collaborative projects, and community functions in the current Passionist monastery

Once again cOarchi, together with a group of 'passionate' enthusiasts, takes on an exceptional challenge.

As a coordinator, facilitator and architectural design agency specialised in the setup and development of co-housing projects, cOarchi presents a mixed project on this exceptional site, which is very well connected to Brussels.  

AN INTERGENERATIONAL AND MUTUALLY SUPPORTIVE PROJECT

We want to set up a project in which both young and old can feel good. With space to live, play, work, rest, and room for passions to be expressed and given shape. Not only to be developed as a place, but also as an affordable and accessible way of life for as many people as possible: young families, single people with or without children, students and retired people, people with a migration background, disabled persons...

Based on a first study, the project could include 20 to 30 dwellings from 0 to 4 bedroooms.

Other functions that promote an on-site dynamic and diversity, such as the sharing economy, resource and space optimisation, the opening of the project to the neighbourhood and other societal functions, will also be taken in consideration to be integrated in the project: from a repair café and a bicycle repair shop, over after-school care, kindergarten and nursery school, to co-working, co-creation, and rehearsal and performance space. We also want to provide a place for contemplation.

AN ECOLOGICAL AND SUSTAINABLE PROJECT

Without dogmatism, the project pursues ambitious environmental objectives: the proximity of the city and the excellent public transport connections are combined with an infrastructure that promotes cycling and sharing mobility. Energy savings and the production of renewable energy, water and land regeneration are possible thanks to the exceptional characteristics of the 1.7 ha site, including 1.3 ha of forest, gardens, orchards, vegetable gardens, and walking and resting places. The large roof volume (1425 m² roof area) allows a maximal rainwater recovery. The renovation of the building and its facades will first focus on the reuse of existing volumes and materials, before applying further renovation thereby using healthy, ecological and, where possible, circular materials. An optimal use of the spacious basements will also be subject for further studies (workshops, warehouses...). The project could take the form of a Community Land Trust, ensuring the long-term guarantee of the collective project and facilitating flexible entry and exit to the housing project. The chosen legal structure should also support the sustainability of the drafted values.

A JOINTLY CONSTRUCTED PROJECT, WITHOUT INTERMEDIARIES AND WITH RESPECT FOR EVERYONE

The principle of support for this project by cOarchi and Twyce Architects is to avoid a sometimes one-sided approach from some real estate developers. cOarchi and Twyce aim to build the project and the financial package together with the future residents and users and to use the profit margins saved in this way to provide more accessible housing with the option of life-long living, and the financing of communal areas and solidarity projects that provide a clear added value. cOarchi informs, coaches and facilitates in the projects it supports. It works with a consent-based method of organisation and decision-making where everyone feels heard and feels part of the solution instead of a majority imposing its opinion on a minority.
 

LOCATION

The Passionist monastery is located at Mechelsesteenweg 82 at 1970 Wezembeek-Oppem. It is a residential area with many services, businesses and bilingual schools in the neighbourhood, which greatly improves accessibility and autonomy for the residents. The monastery is easily accessible thanks to the proximity of the "Ter Meere" stop of tram 39, which serves Stokkel and Montgomery, the E40 and the Brussels ring road.

PLANNING

In taking on this project only a few days before the deadline for offer on 31st December 2019, cOarchi proved to be up for a challenge. A groupe of 10 motivated households was set up thanks to great teamwork, collective intelligence and solidarity!

That first group is now looking for people to join them. Applications closed on April 3rd.

Many thanks, we will contact you as soon as possible.