HangarK
This project involves the complete renovation and repurposing of an old NMBS warehouse into an incubator, youth center, and urban sports space. The 4200 m² building includes an incubator called Hangar K, where start-ups and established companies come together in a co-creation hub for exponential growth. The remaining sections are designed for JC Tranzit as a youth center and urban sports area.
The mission of Hangar K is to foster co-creation and collaboration between start-ups, growing companies, and established businesses. The design offers an open space where businesses are encouraged to form relationships and develop innovative solutions together. The layout provides individual workspaces for focus, while the spatial organization promotes collaboration and productivity.
The existing shed roof structure has been retained and forms the foundation of the design. Under each low point of the roof, flexible walls were placed to create work zones. These walls maintain the openness and brightness of the space while providing enough separation for focused work. The old internal railway tracks were converted into meeting rooms, designed to resemble train carriages, which pay homage to the building’s heritage.
The wall system is designed to improve acoustic comfort and provide flexibility in the workspace layout. These walls are adaptable to changing needs and provide additional features like skype corners and storage. They are movable and reusable, aligning with the industrial character of the space.
The building’s heritage value has been preserved, with respect for existing structures such as brickwork and concrete roof panels. The building envelope was upgraded for energy efficiency, with new insulated panels replacing old roof tiles and skylights. The original loading doors were replaced with glazed frames to increase visibility and openness, without losing the character of the doorways.
Technical integration was carefully executed. In addition to underfloor heating, radiant panels and ventilation ducts were installed in a way that complements the existing beam structure. The building is part of a district heating network, utilizing residual heat from the nearby swimming pool.
