The German-speaking community of Belgium has its own government and parliament. The latter, founded in 1984, was in need of additional space, and as the new location, a stately structure was selected – a former sanatorium dating from the early 20th century and standing on a hill in park-like grounds. The existing building had to be completely refurbished and earlier additions removed. Among other things, new windows were inserted, an insulated slate roof was constructed, and a heating and cooling system was installed.
The minimalist extension, housing the chamber of assembly and foyer, is half-buried in the slope of the site and forms a visual and symbolic plinth to the existing building. The foyer connects the new structure to the existing building. At the ends of the foyer, which is also used for exhibitions and receptions, illuminated showcases with works of art were installed. At the client’s wish, the assembly chamber was executed in oak, for which Kempe Thill developed panels from end-grain blocks, using them for the flooring as well as the walls and tables.
As part of the acoustic design, the blocks were laid on perforated aluminium sheeting with a felt lining. The 3 mm joints ensure good sound refraction and also allow the integration of doors, ventilation outlets, and technical appliances. In the evening, the brightly lit timber-panelled hall radiates in the darkness of the park like a box of jewels.
The minimalist extension, housing the chamber of assembly and foyer, is half-buried in the slope of the site and forms a visual and symbolic plinth to the existing building. The foyer connects the new structure to the existing building. At the ends of the foyer, which is also used for exhibitions and receptions, illuminated showcases with works of art were installed. At the client’s wish, the assembly chamber was executed in oak, for which Kempe Thill developed panels from end-grain blocks, using them for the flooring as well as the walls and tables.
As part of the acoustic design, the blocks were laid on perforated aluminium sheeting with a felt lining. The 3 mm joints ensure good sound refraction and also allow the integration of doors, ventilation outlets, and technical appliances. In the evening, the brightly lit timber-panelled hall radiates in the darkness of the park like a box of jewels.