Broydenborg Housing Block by archipelago + NU architectuuratelier

The Broydenborg Housing Block, designed by archipelago and NU architectuuratelier, redefines urban living in Hoboken, a small town in Antwerp, Belgium. This innovative residential project replaces a former industrial sawmill with a compact, community-focused housing complex, offering more than 60 assisted living units alongside a vibrant community center. Strategically located at the core of the city center, the project fosters neighborhood integration and enhances public accessibility while densifying the urban fabric.

Densification with Purpose

The project responds to Antwerp’s growing need for compact urban housing by creating a carefully planned, dense residential block without compromising on open spaces. At the heart of the design is a ‘park garden’ concept, which provides shared green areas and encourages social interaction among residents. The design introduces a public route through the building block, connecting outdoor spaces, a café terrace under the new colonnade, a central square, and multiple landscaped zones. This approach not only maximizes livable areas but also strengthens the connection between the project and its surrounding neighborhood.

Community at the Core

Central to the development is the Broydenborg community building, strategically positioned to connect the different residential buildings. With its covered outdoor spaces, colonnade seating, and all-glass ground floor façade, the community center is both welcoming and highly accessible. The adjacent central square provides an active outdoor space for residents and visitors, supporting activities and spontaneous gatherings. The public pathway encourages social engagement, allowing residents to interact with the neighborhood while maintaining a sense of community.

Compact, Accessible, and Sustainable Living

The architecture of the Broydenborg Housing Block is characterized by simplicity, rationality, and robust materials, reflecting a thoughtful balance between functionality and comfort. The project accommodates assisted living units that prioritize autonomy and independence for elderly residents, featuring double-oriented layouts wherever possible. These units are complemented by essential amenities including a hair salon, nail salon, laundry facilities, multipurpose rooms, underground parking, and the community center.

Spread across three four-story buildings, the housing complex maintains scale compatibility with surrounding structures, while exterior passageways maximize double-oriented apartments and enhance neighborhood connectivity. Residents are encouraged to step outside, interact with the environment, and participate in the life of the community, even in simple daily moments.

Architectural Impact

Through thoughtful densification, sustainable urban planning, and human-centered design, the Broydenborg Housing Block represents a model for modern assisted living in European city centers. It demonstrates how compact residential projects can successfully integrate community spaces, greenery, and public engagement, setting a precedent for future urban housing developments.

All photographs are works of Stijn Bollaert