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VILLA 'T ONZENT
KortrijkRestoration and repurposing of the listed villa ‘t Onzent
The property is being transformed from a single-family home into a 15-room student residence. The villa is part of the architectural heritage and serves as a landmark corner building in the historic city center. The design, therefore, is based on the utmost respect for the existing building—both on the exterior and interior—and was developed in close consultation with the Immovable Heritage Agency.
Project information
| Project |
Project
Conversion of a Protected Monument |
|---|---|
| Location |
Location
Sint-Amandslaan 30, 8500 KORTRIJK |
| Client |
Client
Ekatov BVBA |
| Architect |
Architect
Markland (member of Link Lab)
|
| Interior |
Interior
Stay Studio (member of Link Lab)
|
| Stability |
Stability
Cobe |
| Acoustics |
Acoustics
EOS Acoustics |
| Landscaping |
Landscaping
GRASland |
| Project |
Project Renovation of a single-family home (listed historic building) |
| Site area |
Site area
722 m² |
| Land acquisition |
Land acquisition
218 m² |
| Status |
Status
Completion 2024 |
Housing Program
The design as a student residence includes 15 rooms, a spacious communal kitchen, and a living area. The ceiling heights will be preserved due to the building’s heritage value. A discreet bicycle parking area for 20 bicycles will be located in the garden.
Preservation of the Historic Interior
Inside, the original layout and interior finishes will be preserved as much as possible. Historic elements such as fireplaces, built-in cabinets, wainscoting, ceilings, and cast-iron radiators will be restored and integrated into the new function. The existing floors will be reused and refinished wherever possible. Where technical modifications are necessary, they will be discreetly incorporated while respecting the historic character.
Facade Appearance
The facades and building massing remain unchanged. The existing windows, which are in poor condition, will be replaced with new windows that have an identical appearance. The facade details and materials will be carefully restored so that the building’s original character is once again brought to life. In the backyard, disruptive elements will be removed, and the garden wall will be rebuilt according to the historical model. The garden itself, which is also protected, will be restored to its former glory.
