Pachthoeve

Pachthoeve is a historic farmstead located within the green surroundings of Drie Fonteinen Park in Vilvoorde. The site comprises a traditional-style farmhouse, a former coach house and a hunting pavilion. These buildings were carefully transformed into a co-housing project combining private living spaces with shared facilities.

The project comprises 11 homes ranging from one to four bedrooms. Each unit has its own private terrace and/or garden. Existing buildings and structures were given new uses. The former stable, for example, was transformed into a communal swimming pool with sauna. A shared barn, courtyard, co-working space and coffee bar also form part of the communal facilities, overlooking the park and its playground.

The design is guided by the preservation of the site’s existing architecture and heritage value. Interventions to the historic buildings were therefore kept as limited as possible. The façades of the Pachthoeve were locally restored, with damaged bricks repaired using reclaimed brick and severely weathered joints carefully renewed.

At the same time, the site was adapted to contemporary requirements for living and communal use. The renovation combines the preservation of the historic structures with contemporary building systems and sustainable solutions. Energy efficiency, renewable energy and considered material choices were key principles throughout the project.

By taking the existing buildings and qualities of the site as its starting point, the project creates a living environment in which heritage, contemporary comfort and communal living come together naturally. Following the renovation, all residential units achieve the E60 energy standard.