Scheldehof residential complex,
design: Max Dudler
To the west of the old city of Antwerp, on the banks of the River Scheldehof, a new neighborhood project - Nieuw Zuid - is underway. One of the residential complexes in this location has been designed by a studio Max Dudler founded by a Swiss architect, in cooperation with local firm Jaspers Eyers Architects. The buildings are distinguished by an openwork structure that surrounds their walls like a lattice.
The Scheldehof residential complex in Nieuw Zuid, Antwerp
Photo by Stefan Müller © Max Dudler
new space by the river:
inspiration and context
The river on which the project is located plays an important role for both the neighborhood and Antwerp as a whole. Its riverside boulevard is a standout spot in the city, with some of the most recognizable buildings around it. The Dutch name for the river, "Schelde," became the inspiration for the project's name, Scheldehof. The particle "hof" in Dutch means courtyard or yard, which refers to the spatial layout of the complex.
The Scheldehof residential complex in Nieuw Zuid, Antwerp - the facade of the 80-meter tower takes on a form resembling an inverted staircase
photo by Stefan Müller © Max Dudler
complex organized
around a common space
The layout of the building, in the form of a semi-open block, has been enriched with paths and plazas. The complex consists of two buildings that face each other, almost the same height. One of them has a rectangular plan and a tower, while the other adopts an L-shape. This arrangement creates a square that opens toward the river.
The Scheldehof residential complex in Nieuw Zuid, Antwerp - the complex consists of two buildings
photo by Stefan Müller © Max Dudler
The inspiration of the staircase motif
in the architecture of the buildings
Both buildings refer to the staircase motif, but each interprets it in a different way. The lower building has an arcade that creates a public space that is open to views of the river. In contrast, the facade of the 80-meter tower opposite takes a form that resembles an inverted staircase shape.
The Scheldehof residential complex in Nieuw Zuid, Antwerp
Photo: Stefan Müller © Max Dudler
Building a house with 100 random details is easy. However, when you rely on only 10 details, as we did, each one must be perfect
- say architects from Max Dudler's office
Scheldehof residential complex in Nieuw Zuid, Antwerp - limestone elements form an openwork structure that wrap around the walls like a web
Photo: Stefan Müller © Max Dudler
The facades of the buildings are covered with sand-gray limestone elements that form an openwork structure that wraps around the walls like a lattice. The outdoor spaces of the apartments have been integrated into the open form of the buildings - each of the three hundred apartments has a balcony or conservatory. The goal of the design was to open up the wall from ceiling to floor to improve views of the waterfront and let more daylight into the interiors. Office space, stores and restaurants are located on the lower floors to support the functionality of the space.
During the development of the master plan, created by Italian studio Secchi-Viganò, special attention was paid not only to architecture, but also to sustainability and the integration of greenery. Collaboration with Swiss architect Max Dudler has enabled developer Triple Living to bring an established name to Antwerp. Over the past few years, the developer has partnered with other well-known design studios such as Vincent Van Duysen, POLO Architects, Stefano Boeri, Atelier Kempe Thill and Robbrecht and Daem. The decision to engage these architectural studios was a conscious step by the developer, contributing to international interest in the Nieuw Zuid project. The district, is already attracting new residents and is becoming an interesting example of the dynamic transformation of this part of the city.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Max Dudler studio.
