10
KASKADE
KortrijkProject on the banks of the Handelskaai
Kaskade is rising on the Handelskaai in Kortrijk, along the Lys. Where the quayside used to be mainly a parking area, it is now evolving into an attractive residential environment within walking distance of the city center. The project replaces some long vacant buildings from the interwar period and the 1980s and contributes to the revaluation of this urban fringe.
The design examines how scale, typology and facade image can relate to the specific context of the quay and the building block.
Project information
| Project |
Project
Construction of a multi-family house |
|---|---|
| Location |
Location
Handelskaai 1-3 8500 KORTRIJK |
| Builder |
Builder
SDF Construct bvba |
| Architect |
Architect
Markland (member of Link Lab)
|
| Techniques |
Techniques
Endes |
| EPB, Veico |
EPB, Veico
Vecobo |
| Stability |
Stability
Stedec NV |
| Interior |
Interior
Stay Studio (member of Link Lab)
|
| Cellar contractor |
Cellar contractor
D'haene |
| Structural contractor |
Structural contractor
Dhuyvetter |
| External joinery contractor |
External joinery contractor
Duralu |
| Roofing contractor |
Roofing contractor
LS roof |
| Contractor facades |
Contractor facades
Woodstoxx |
| Program |
Program Construction of a multifamily house (26 residential units, underground parking garage, construction of outdoor window and above-ground bicycle storage facility |
| Site area |
Site area
1.226m2 |
| Land intake |
Land intake
710,6m2 |
| Gross area |
Gross area
2.926,6m2 |
| Status |
Status
Delivered 2022 |
Site
The project is located along the Lys at the Handelskaai, centrally in the building block. The plot forms the transition between higher, large-scale multifamily housing to the east and smaller-scale development to the west.
The triangular site connects at the rear to Schipperstraat, Hendrik Beyaertstraat and Paleisstraat, making it part of a larger urban whole.
Layout
The transition in scale is resolved through a gradual reduction from 6 to 3 floors. This gradual reduction translates into a clear vertical percellation in both facade, plan and materialization. An alternating cornice emphasizes the volume effect.
The percellation is also continued in the ground plan. Varying building depths provide a rhythm to the rear facade and harmonize with the adjacent properties. Where necessary, building heights and depths are adjusted to limit the impact on the inner area.
All living spaces and terraces face the Lys, with wide views of the water. At the same time, the privacy of the neighbors behind will be respected.
Within the building block, a largely built-up and drab area will be transformed into a high-quality interior garden. This collective green space forms a resting point for residents and enhances the quality of life.
The entrance is marked by a double-height, transparent entrance lot with passage to the inner area. This openness makes the greenery visible from the Handelskaai and breaks through the petrified streetscape. Bicycles are stored above ground, cars in an underground parking lot with 30 spaces.
Architectural elaboration
The structure of the building is determined by a pronounced vertical articulation. Two main types alternate and provide rhythm and differentiation within the whole.
The wider type is executed in white brickwork with white joinery and flat glass balustrades. Each apartment has a wide walled-in terrace on the Leie side, combined with a large window. The terraces change position per floor to ensure privacy.
The narrower type manifests itself as a wooden volume. Here facade-wide indoor terraces, cantilevered terraces and - at the upper apartments - wide windows alternate. The joinery is also executed in wood.
The variation in facade width and materialization reinforces the vertical rhythm and gives each building field its own identity.
