Felix Residential Building by Studio Jan Vermeulen: Revitalizing Koekelberg’s Urban Fabric

Located in the vibrant mixed-use quarter of Koekelberg, Brussels, the Felix Residential Building by Studio Jan Vermeulen stands as a striking example of contemporary urban residential architecture. Completed in 2024, this five-story residential project revitalizes a previously derelict industrial site, transforming it into a dynamic, community-oriented living space spanning 2,221 m².

Harmonizing with the Neighborhood Context

Inspired by the interwar residential and industrial buildings in the area, the brick façade establishes a strong dialogue with Koekelberg’s architectural heritage. The building’s large, rhythmically arranged windows, robust roofline, and a distinctive entrance canopy contribute to a lively streetscape, breaking the monotony of neighboring façades. To echo the textures and patterns of surrounding buildings, the architects designed a bespoke stacked brick bond for the northern street façade, creating a visually engaging pattern suspended from a cornice of vertically bonded headers. Sandblasted concrete accents, including the entrance canopy and subtly recessed lintels, further refine the building’s composition.

Flexible and Social Apartment Layouts

The Felix Residential Building features four apartments per floor, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, organized around a compact central staircase and elevator core. The larger apartments are designed with front-to-back living areas that maximize natural light and ventilation, while a generous, daylit circulation space encourages social interaction among residents. This thoughtful layout promotes a sense of community and fosters daily encounters in shared spaces, blending privacy with sociability.

Sustainable and Climate-Responsive Design

The ground floor connects residents to a communal garden, designed as a multifunctional space for relaxation, play, and social gatherings. Dense summer plantings provide shade and a cool retreat, addressing the urban heat island effect. On the southern rear façade, reflective, light-colored renderings and vertically stacked balconies ensure sun protection while maintaining privacy between apartments. Balusters and vertical steel posts complement the design, balancing aesthetic appeal with functionality.

Materiality and Craftsmanship

High-quality materials were carefully selected to enhance both durability and visual impact. Brick, sandblasted concrete, wood, and steel combine to create a refined, contemporary aesthetic that resonates with Koekelberg’s architectural heritage. Collaborations with manufacturers such as Geberit, Unilin, Agrob Buchthal, SAPA Building Systems, Schwepa, and VANDERSANDEN ensured meticulous craftsmanship throughout.

The Felix Residential Building exemplifies how residential architecture can revitalize urban areas, integrating heritage-inspired façades, sustainable design principles, and vibrant communal spaces. Studio Jan Vermeulen’s sensitive approach transforms a former industrial site into a thriving, contemporary residential landmark.

All photographs are works of Pieter Rabijns