MASEREEL Artist Studio

The refurbishment of Masereel’s existing studio building responds to persistent summer overheating while respecting its distinctive architecture. A louvred canopy provides external solar shading at first-floor level, while the existing windows and central rooflight are replaced with thermally improved equivalents. The intervention balances solar control with daylight and outward views, particularly where artworks are displayed. By working with the existing structure and prioritising robust, replaceable components, the project improves comfort with a restrained architectural intervention.

A climatic layer for Masereel

The project adapts the existing main building at Masereel in Kasterlee to improve its summer comfort while retaining its characteristic architectural presence. Designed by Lou Jansen in 1967 as a private studio for Fons Mertens, the domed building was later converted into a working and meeting place for artists. Today it accommodates artists’ studios, staff workspaces and an art archive.

The intervention addresses persistent overheating on the first floor, particularly on the sun-exposed side of the building. Rather than relying solely on technical installations, the design acts directly on the building envelope.

Daylight where it matters

The climatic strategy responds to the different uses within the building. At first-floor level, where overheating is most critical, external solar shading reduces direct solar gains. On the ground floor, where artworks are regularly displayed, the need for daylight is given greater weight.

This distinction allows each part of the building to respond to its actual use rather than applying the same solution throughout.

A precise addition to the existing envelope

A louvred canopy is introduced along the first-floor windows. In contrast to a closed canopy, the open arrangement limits direct sunlight while maintaining views from the interior.

The existing external joinery on both levels is replaced with thermally improved elements that retain the existing appearance. Solar-control glazing is concentrated where overheating is most severe. The glazed rooflight above the central stair is renewed as part of the same approach.

The intervention is therefore conceived as a new climatic layer around the existing architecture rather than as a transformation of its underlying form.

Maintaining openness to the surroundings

The project does not extend the building or reorganise the surrounding landscape. Its exterior intervention is deliberately limited to the envelope.

The permeable character of the louvred shading maintains the relationship between the workspaces and their surroundings, while reducing the direct impact of the sun.

Low-tech first

External shading forms the principal passive measure against overheating. Improved glazing complements this strategy and strengthens the thermal performance of the existing envelope.

The project also places emphasis on retaining existing elements where possible, selective dismantling, reuse and recycling of released materials, and materials with a considered environmental impact and service life. Robust detailing, accessibility for maintenance and future replaceability support a long-term approach to the existing building.