A striking five-story residential building has successfully restored an urban block within the dense fabric of Koekelberg, a mixed-use neighborhood in Brussels, Belgium. Designed by Studio Jan Vermeulen and completed in 2024, the Felix Residential Building stands on a plot that was formerly occupied by a derelict industrial shed, transforming the neglected site into a vibrant residential complex spanning 2,221 square meters.
The building's distinctive brick architecture draws inspiration from the numerous interwar residential and industrial buildings found throughout the surrounding area. Large, rhythmically placed windows create a dynamic visual pattern along the streetscape, while a robust roofline and an entrance canopy add architectural interest to what was previously a collection of generic façades typical of this Brussels neighborhood. The design successfully integrates contemporary residential needs with the historical character of the district.
A key architectural feature of the Felix Residential Building is its bespoke brick bond, specifically developed for the northern street façade. The innovative pattern utilizes five bricks that are stack-bonded to create larger blocks, forming a distinctive pattern that appears to 'hang' from a cornice of vertically bonded headers. This unique approach echoes the motifs and patterns found in neighboring buildings while establishing its own contemporary identity. Sandblasted concrete has been strategically used to construct the entrance canopy and subtly recessed lintels, further refining the overall composition.
The building's interior layout has been carefully planned around a compact central staircase and lift core, with four apartments of varying sizes arranged on each floor. The residential units include studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom configurations to accommodate diverse housing needs in the urban context. The larger apartments benefit from front-to-back living areas that maximize natural light and cross-ventilation, while a daylit circulation space connecting the flats creates a generous backdrop for social interaction among residents.
Environmental considerations play a significant role in the building's design, particularly in addressing urban heat island effects. The southern rear façade follows different design principles from the front elevation, featuring a reflective, light-colored render that serves as a backdrop for generous external balconies. These balconies are vertically stacked to provide sun protection and privacy between individual apartments, supported by a structure of balusters and vertical steel posts that create both functional and aesthetic benefits.
Residents enjoy access to a communal garden from the ground-floor main entrance, which serves as a shared space for rest, recreation, and social gathering. During summer months, the garden's dense planting creates a cool retreat in the middle of the densely built urban block, providing a valuable green oasis for the community. This outdoor space represents an important amenity in the urban context, offering residents a connection to nature within the city environment.
The project represents a successful example of contemporary urban infill development, demonstrating how new residential construction can respect and enhance existing neighborhood character while meeting modern living standards. The Felix Residential Building by Studio Jan Vermeulen stands as a thoughtful response to urban densification challenges, creating quality housing that contributes positively to the streetscape and community life in Koekelberg.
