Balie Church

Balie Church proposes a careful transformation of the church in Baliebrugge into a shared public space while maintaining its liturgical function. A modular “plug-and-play” system introduces a flexible interior layer that remains structurally independent from the historic building. Based on a prefabricated timber rib module inspired by Gothic vaults, the intervention accommodates childcare, a library, meeting rooms and association activities. The church envelope remains untouched, while the modular structure allows future adaptation, expansion or removal, ensuring a respectful and circular reuse of the sacred space.

A Church for Worship and Community

The transformation of Balie Church in Baliebrugge aims to support the local community by introducing new public functions within the existing church building while preserving its religious use. The municipality of Oostkamp seeks to reinforce social cohesion by accommodating activities such as childcare, a small library, meeting spaces and rooms for local associations.

The project therefore reinterprets the church as a shared public interior — a place where worship and everyday community life can coexist.

Respecting the Existing Sacred Structure

The design approach begins with respect for the architectural heritage of the church and its symbolic value within the village. Rather than altering the historic fabric, the intervention introduces a new layer inside the church that remains physically independent from the existing structure.

The main scenario is to transform the nave into a flexible interior landscape while preserving the choir and transept for liturgical use. In this way the church continues to function as a sacred space while accommodating new community programmes.

A Flexible Interior Landscape

The new programme is organised within the nave through a modular spatial system that can adapt to changing needs. Childcare, library functions, meeting spaces and association activities can be configured through combinations of modules.

The existing narthex remains the main entrance to the new polyvalent area, while the sacred part of the church remains clearly defined and protected. The result is a sequence of spaces that maintain visual continuity with the church interior while offering different levels of enclosure and privacy.

Plug & Play Modularity

The intervention is based on a plug-and-play system of prefabricated timber modules inspired by the geometry of rib vaults commonly found in church architecture.

Each module consists of two intersecting timber ribs forming a structural cross. These elements can be repeated and combined to define spatial zones within the church. The modules rest on a raised platform that provides stability and allows technical installations to be integrated without altering the historic floor.

Different module types can be added depending on the required programme: open modules, mobile modules with integrated furniture, library modules with shelving, service modules for shared facilities, and accessibility modules with transparent or closed partitions.

The Church as a Social Interior

The transformation focuses primarily on the interior space of the church. By maintaining the architectural envelope and the generous daylight from the existing windows, the project preserves the atmospheric qualities of the sacred space.

The modular structures create smaller interior environments while keeping the perception of the larger church volume intact.