Every good conversation starts with good listening.
LIFE intends to transform the area into a mixed-use development with co-living, condominiums, rental apartments and ancillary facilities such as offices, shops, restaurants and studios.
The aim of the reconstruction is to preserve and improve the site’s diverse and valuable patrimony while honouring its rich history.
With this move, LIFE maintains its position as a trailblazer in the field of contributing to progressive living and cohabitation in Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia.
The co-living community will consist of approximately 52 units, with several shared spaces designed to respond to current social trends:
Each co-living unit is a fully equipped apartment with its own kitchen, bathroom, and living areas. Residents also have the option to use shared spaces for sports, relaxation, or social activities.
This housing model suits small households of 1–2 people, regardless of age or background—groups that often struggle to find suitable options in the current market.
Residents benefit from an improved quality of life through the efficient use of private and shared spaces and the collective provision of additional functions.
Co-living counteracts isolation by bringing people together in unique communal areas.
Introducing residential units on upper floors of shopping streets helps activate these areas and maintain life and social interaction beyond store hours.
The initial target audience comprises individuals consciously choosing this way of living, with the ultimate goal of breaking down age and background barriers to achieve maximum inclusivity. In a successful co-living environment, open-minded residents—each with their own individuality, identity, and beliefs—learn to accept and appreciate each other’s differences.
Within the overall co-living project, there are 2 dedicated co-housing units (up to 7 people), which differ in key ways:
All spaces are shared, including kitchen, bathroom, and living areas.
Co-housing fosters maximum social interaction and a strong sense of community, as residents collectively manage and use all facilities.
Ideal for residents who prefer a fully communal lifestyle, embracing collaboration and shared responsibilities.
As indicated, the program is divided into two major parts: one with classic owner-occupied houses and the other with a mix of co-living, retail, hospitality.
The classic owner-occupied houses will be situated along the current Nonnenvest and the new connection between the Vest and Nonnenstraat. Apart from the oldest school building on the vest (built ca. 1900), this will be a new development, with a mix of small and large flats, all located along the new green passage between Bovenpoort and Nonnenstraat. The project will consist of 47 flats and one commercial space on the corner in front of de Bovenpoort.
The second part, which includes a mix of functions, will be located in the existing buildings at Bovenrij 30 and Nonnenstraat 10 (the little castle). When integrating the new functions into the existing buildings, we will take into account the individuality of each building, its historical value, and structure, while also meeting contemporary comfort requirements, energy performance and sustainability standards.
