Skilpod, together with B-architecten, is transforming the Merkezeel social housing neighbourhood in Willebroek. The project comprises 121 new homes, combining houses and apartments, making it the largest project awarded under Wonen in Vlaanderen’s Modular Housing 2023 framework agreement to date. The redevelopment will not only renew and densify the neighbourhood, but also introduce a large green heart with more space for residents to meet and connect.

Client

Woonmaatschappij Rivierenland

Architect

B-architecten

Programme

• 121 social housing units: 51 ground-level homes and 70 apartments
• Largest project within the Modular Housing 2023 framework agreement
• Phase 1: 26 weeks, including on-site work
• Phase 2: 26 weeks, including on-site work

This mix creates a diverse housing offer for different household sizes and needs. The apartment buildings are grouped around the central neighbourhood park, while the houses reflect the scale and character of the surrounding residential area.

Renewing Merkezeel while preserving its identity

Merkezeel is a distinctive social housing neighbourhood with a strong architectural identity. Some of the existing houses are now privately owned and will remain in place. The new design therefore deliberately builds on the scale, architectural language and materials of the original neighbourhood.

The new houses are arranged in shorter rows, while the apartment buildings are clustered around the central green space. Both housing types share a coherent architectural language that complements the existing character of Merkezeel. In this way, the neighbourhood is given a new future without losing its recognisable identity.

A green heart for the neighbourhood

At the centre of the design is a neighbourhood park of approximately 9,500 m². The existing apartment buildings at the heart of the site will be removed, freeing up space for a large green area where residents can meet, relax and spend time outdoors.

Greening and reducing paved surfaces are key principles throughout the development. Pocket parks and a network of infiltration zones strengthen the green structure and allow rainwater to infiltrate locally. Existing trees will be retained wherever possible, giving residents a mature green setting from the moment the different phases are completed.

Open sightlines between the houses, apartment buildings and neighbourhood park will also strengthen connections and social interaction throughout the area. A community space will provide an additional place for residents to meet.

Faster delivery through modular construction

The neighbourhood will be redeveloped in phases, allowing residents to gradually move into their new homes. Thanks to Skilpod’s 3D modular building system, the modules are almost fully built and finished in our production facility before being transported to site. Up to eight modules can be installed per day.

By combining modular construction with the maximum possible retention of existing roads, utilities and greenery, the transformation can be completed efficiently while keeping disruption to the surrounding area to a minimum.

The result will be a sustainable, green and future-proof Merkezeel, combining respect for the neighbourhood’s distinctive identity with greater housing quality and more space for people to meet and connect.

Want to discover just how fast modular construction can be? See how we previously installed 10 homes in just 5 days.