Ranst

Momentary association

Programme: Construction of 17 collective dwellings for people with autism and severe disabilities. Development of outdoor spaces and long-term master plan.

About: The project consists of building new homes for 162 people with severe disabilities. The site, consisting of large empty spaces and a vast wood, originally had no hierarchy. The main idea was to completely reorganize the site according to a clear and legible structure.

The layout of the three housing clusters is reminiscent of Flemish beguinages and their large central green spaces. These different “landscape rooms” offer a variety of atmospheres, including a meadow for horses, an orchard, and a vegetable garden. All of these environments stimulate the senses of the center's patients. A great deal of thought has also been given to the question of how these people will live there. Structure, proximity, touch, scale, and comfort are all concepts that have enriched the design of the dwellings.

Research on models at various scales has led to the development of pleated roof assemblies. These provide patio spaces through cutouts in the center of the dwellings. The large roofs provide protected circulation and the expected protection from natural light. The technology is simple, consisting of wooden frames placed on terracotta blocks. The textures were chosen based on the residents' sensory perceptions.

The construction site is being built in phases over a period of ten years.
Pierre Hebbelinck
Liège. August 2025

Design: Pierre Hebbelinck Architecture Studio and NU architecture