165 Housing Peterbos

Momentary association

Programme: Energy renovation of two buildings comprising 165 social housing units

About: The Peterbos estate, one of the largest social housing complexes in Brussels, had long suffered from a lack of identity and the progressive deterioration of both its interior and exterior spaces. Our intervention on buildings Peterbos 10–10a and 11–11a goes beyond a simple technical upgrade to initiate a genuine architectural and urban renewal.

The project operates at every scale, from construction details to the overall reading of the site, with the aim of strengthening its identity and concretely improving residents’ quality of life. Particular attention is given to light, circulation and the relationship between private and public spaces, enhancing the quality of the dwellings. The surrounding outdoor areas have been redesigned to encourage appropriation, conviviality and a clearer spatial organisation.

Simple, robust and durable construction solutions ensure the longevity of the intervention while keeping economic constraints under control.

Carried out in an occupied site, the construction process required careful planning and constant dialogue with residents, balancing architectural ambition with respect for daily life. The project demonstrates how renovation can become a strong architectural act as well as a lever for social improvement.