The ‘Heiken’ is one of the oldest stone buildings in Haacht and its surroundings. Over time, it developed into a magnificent castle with annexes surrounding a courtyard—until the sudden need for a hotel for Expo ’58 led to drastic changes to the heritage site, with half of the park paved over for parking.
Our design seeks to return to the site’s core values by revitalizing the castle, restoring the park layout, and transforming the courtyard into a covered atrium that facilitates the various services and activities of the municipal and cultural center. The different municipal services open onto the atrium with wooden shutters, providing not only privacy but also acoustic insulation for personal conversations. During performances in the large cultural hall, the atrium serves as an extension of the foyer.
The new façade is constructed from architectural concrete, designed to align with the rhythm of the former castle’s façade. Inside, the space reveals itself as a jewel box, en-tirely finished in solid maple wood.
Sustainable wood use, attention to biodiversity, green roofs, the restoration of the pond as an active water buffer, and a geothermal energy field form the key green elements of this project.