News / Opening 'Double', Brussels - (01/09/2007)

Next to the Brigitinnes church, in the Marolles neighboorhood of Brussels, a new volume has been added. The old church used to serve as a rehearsal space for the Center of Contemporary Arts of Movement and Voice, which was in need of an expansion. Architect Andrea Bruno chose to double the contour of the old church, while using contemporary materials, such as corten steel, glass and stainless steel. The large multifunctional space, and restaurant on the ground floor connect the Art Center extension directly to its popular neighboorhood. Ney & Partners was responsible for the entire structural study. Characteristique for the project was the process of prefabrication in order to reduce the construction time on site. Other praticularities were the application of soil-mixing for the foundations, all concrete elements in high quality exposed concrete, the roof girders in glue-laminated timber; and a staircase that cantilevers out for 4.5m.