The Cité Vandeuren project involves the renovation of 122 social housing units located in the first ring of Brussels. Designed in the 1920s, the Cité is situated in a neighborhood that houses several other projects by the same architect, Joseph Caluwaers. While maintaining a distinctive personal style, Caluwaers gave each of his projects in this Ixelles neighborhood a unique variation. The design, scale, and highly detailed façades, with their rhythmic architectural expression and the sophisticated use of brickwork and colors, create a complex ensemble of unique value in Brussels.

Our project involved the renovation of residential units in six buildings, four of which form an island with a classical curtain wall, accessible from the street through four openings. The interior of the block was rather cramped. Given the qualities of the existing buildings, we chose to intervene subtly. Our project focuses primarily on the interior of the block: what was dark and enclosed is transformed into a vast, unified space, illuminated by its white single-material finish. The central communal garden is expanded to strengthen the sense of community among the Cité's residents. The stepped sections and terraces provide a welcoming depth, allowing for the unique and heterogeneous appropriation of each resident.

From the street, several small black volumes slide onto the roofs and into the openings that provide access to the interior of the block. They subtly display the renewed energy of Cité Vandeuren.