Royal Mint

Project: Royal Mint
Architect: architectesassoc+

Programme

The Royal Mint project, located at the Pacheco Boulevard 32 in Brussels, is an eloquent illustration of the ability to work on an existing building to adapt it to contemporary needs. Originally designed as a workshop for the Belgian Mint in the 1970s, this emblematic building with its austere, modernist facades, has been transformed into a dynamic multifunctional hub, integrating offices, co-living spaces and hotel and catering activities. The conversion seeks to respect the architectural heritage while introducing new functions adapted to today's requirements, in an approach that combines sustainability and urban innovation.

The redevelopment of the building involves converting the mint workshops into the following functions:

- offices: 10,342 m²

- co-living accommodation: 1,113 m²

- 1 horeca (retail) space: 322 m²

About: The Royal Mint building, an iconic urban landmark, stands out due to its historic volume and strategic location. Formerly the Royal Mint of Belgium, it occupies a central position at the intersection of Boulevard Pachéco, Rue du Meiboom, and the urban staircase of Rue des Sables, a key pedestrian route linking the upper and lower parts of the city.
The project focuses on the renovation of the entire existing building. The new interventions are clearly defined, while fitting within the existing modernist language of the building, with its brutalist and abstract expression. Simple and recognisable geometric forms compose the building’s volume. The interventions are integrated, respecting the geometry and character of the building, and are distinguished by their choice of materials.
The study of the façade interventions was carried out with consideration of the existing and future contextual elements of the site, with particular attention given to the sunlight exposure of the future spaces.
The renovation transforms the former double-height workshop into a full-height atrium, serving as a central hub between the building’s east and west wings. Two staircases flanking the central plaza provide vertical circulation.