Keerdok

Keerdok is part of Mechelen’s broader urban transformation along the former industrial waterfront. Located between the Keerdok basin and the city’s ring road, the site occupies a strategic position between the historic centre and emerging urban districts.

The project reimagines this transitional area as a contemporary residential neighbourhood where water, housing and public space are closely connected. By introducing a clear spatial structure and a diverse housing programme, the design contributes to the gradual transformation of the Keerdok area into a coherent and liveable urban environment.

The central architectural idea is to organise the site through two substantial urban blocks that frame generous collective green spaces. These volumes define the urban perimeter while allowing the interior landscape to remain protected and accessible for residents.

At the southern edge of the site, a twelve-storey residential tower marks the transition towards the city ring and acts as a new landmark within the evolving skyline of Mechelen. Together, the blocks and tower establish a clear urban composition that balances density with openness and strengthens the identity of the waterfront district.

The residential programme combines different housing typologies to support a diverse community. Family-oriented townhouses with private gardens are integrated alongside one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. This mixture accommodates different household structures and life stages, fostering a socially inclusive residential environment.

Circulation is organised to ensure clarity and accessibility while maintaining privacy within the individual dwellings. The ground floor connects directly to approximately 8,500 m² of new public space, extending the pedestrian network and reinforcing the relationship with the waterfront and surrounding neighbourhood.

The architectural language relies on clear volumes and legible massing. The two blocks define the structure of the site and create protected interior courtyards while maintaining permeability towards the city.

A rational structural grid supports long-term adaptability. Apartments are organised within a consistent framework that allows internal reconfiguration over time, while the combination of stacked housing and townhouses ensures urban density without losing a human scale.

Landscape plays a central role in the project’s identity. Building coverage is limited to roughly forty percent of the site, allowing large communal green spaces to develop between and around the buildings.

These shared courtyards function as informal collective living rooms for residents, offering places for rest, play and social interaction. The surrounding public space connects the development to the wider urban fabric and reinforces the relationship between water, housing and everyday city life.