Architects:Bureau Bouwtechniek, Callebaut Architecten, Korteknie Stuhlmacher Architecten

Area :5840 m²

Year :2019

Photographs :Luuk Kramer, Karin Borghout, Stijn Bollaert

Manufacturers :  Cupa Pizarras, LIGNOTREND, Abet Laminati, Nemetschek, Okholm Lighting, Steenhandel GelsingCupa Pizarras

Structural Engineering :ABT BV, ABT

Technical Advisor :Bureau Bouwtechniek

Contractor :Renotec, Monument

Team Korteknie Stuhlmacher Architecten : Mechthild Stuhlmacher, Arne Weiss, Rien Korteknie, Sjoerd de Boer, Jille Koop, Ainhoa Barron, Ilana Ginton, Leonie Boelens, Antonia Reif, Titus Lammertse, Mark Jongerius, Myra Nijman, Andri Tsiouti, Nicole Chmielinksi, Cornelia Bräuer, Brian Murphy, Xianglyu Li, Laura Gomez, Jara Baarlink, Darlene Tsai, Maurice Tjon, Keimpke Zigterman

Team Callebaut Architecten (Restoration) : Wouter Callebaut, Cedric D’Haese, Thaïs De Pau, Iris Bauwens, Jolien Vermeulen, Laur Van Nieuwenborgh, Maaike Blancke, Frederik Temmerman, Nicholas Matthijs

Team Bureau Bouwtechniek (Technical Advisor) : Gert Biebauw, Willem Broekaert, Bert van den Bergh, Gretel De Smet, Glenn Verdyck

Clients : City of Mechelen

Installations : RCR Engineering

Restoration : Callabaut Architecten

Signage : Het Echte Werk

City : Mechelen

Country : Belgium

The Predikherenklooster is a more than impressive building. The baroque monastery was built starting in 1650 and was deconsecrated in the 18th century. In the 19th and 20th centuries it was mainly used for military purposes and has been abandoned since 1975. We developed our design with respect for the particular characteristics of the existing edifice. The programming, the spatial design, our concept for the restoration as well as the design of the technical installations, and all structural interventions are intended to preserve and reinforce these characteristics. The building has a clear structure consisting of an outer ring consisting of broad multifunctional rooms, an inner ring (the cloister), the courtyard, the attic and the church. Over the years the structure has been entirely preserved and can be experienced everywhere in the building.