VDB

Ghent, Belgium
2020-2022

Van den Braembussche is a company specializing in the trade of construction materials and the operation of a concrete plant.

The project begins with the restoration of an old industrial site, where as many valuable structures as possible have been preserved and restored. A central square has been created on the site to serve as the storage area for materials for the VDB-company. This square also enhances wayfinding, circulation, and overall visibility throughout the site.

The site features both old and new building elements. The new structures have been strategically placed between the existing buildings, and both the old and new structures have been clad with black profiled metal panels. This unified facade ensures that the different parts form a cohesive whole while respecting the site’s vernacular architecture.

The central building consists of a cast-in-place concrete structure with three floors. The ground floor houses a shop, the first floor serves as a showroom, and the second floor hosts a multipurpose space. The concrete structure has been left exposed and cleaned where necessary to maintain the industrial character. A suspended steel staircase connects the first two levels, creating a functional and visual link between the different floors.