Bekaert site

Collective housing

The former Bekaert industrial site in Hemiksem is being transformed into a vibrant residential landscape along the River Scheldt. Surrounded by greenery, Park Aan De Stroom will act as a catalyst, breathing new life into Hemiksem’s identity as a riverside community.

Competition

1st prize

Status

in design

Location

Hemiksem

Surface

136 dwellings

Client

Het Consortium Park aan de Stroom

Team

Evert Crols, Hanne De Vos, Dirk Engelen, Sven Grooten, Sam Neel, Evelien van de Riet, Domien Wuyts, Juanjo Cubí Hernández, Viktor Bruynseels, Kristina Buzaityte

In collaboration with

MADE Architects, FRIDAY Office, Kollektif Landscape

Press

Park Aan De Stroom is a locally rooted and sustainably integrated development. Drawing inspiration from the area’s industrial heritage – from clay extraction and brickmaking to steel wire production – the design also embraces the surrounding landscape, the village fabric of Hemiksem, and the site's unique riverside location.

Set against this historic backdrop, we are designing homes that speak a strong architectural language, with clarity and individuality. Each residence includes a private garden and integrated bicycle storage, along with access to a communal green courtyard that offers additional outdoor space.

By clustering parking within each building block, we allow the landscape to take precedence. The architecture remains secondary, creating a living environment where green space leads. Together with the planned redesign of the riverbanks, this approach fosters a valuable ecological link with surrounding natural areas, including the nearby Abbey Park.

Sustainability is at the heart of the project. Key strategies include:

  • Smart mobility: enabling multimodal travel and prioritising pedestrian- and cycle-friendly infrastructure.
  • Water management: optimising the use of rainwater and greywater reuse.
  • Renewable energy: a local heating network and neighbourhood battery system.
  • Biodiversity: planting native species and applying low-impact landscape maintenance.

Park Aan De Stroom is a place of connection — not only looking back, but using its historic roots to help weave Hemiksem’s future and reinforce its bond with the Scheldt.

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