The corner building attracts curious glances with its striking entrance and sloping roofs. The ThermoWood^® pine for the entrance and balconies was planed and treated with fire retardant by Lemahieu Group.

The design, by architectural firm Urban Platform, highlights the corner as a strong architectural statement. The entrance cladding in ThermoWood^® pine contrasts with the dark façade and invites you to step in.

ThermoWood^® pine was also chosen for the covered balconies. Lemahieu Fire Protection® treated the ThermoWood^® pine with the 100% natural fire retardant, Burnblock^®, to achieve the desired reaction to fire classification.

About the project

De Harmonie is the oldest local community centre in Brussels (established in 1985).

De Harmonie helps the elderly and those in need of care in the neighbourhood to live at home for as long as possible. Besides a mix of 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, there is a cohousing project for elderly people consisting of 3 individual bedrooms.

In 2012, with their facilities in poor condition, the decision was made to construct a new building.

About the design of Urban Platform

• The building takes the form of a solid block, like a monolith, into which openings have been sculpted: vertical and horizontal recesses to draw in light, right down into the basement.
• Balconies stretch back into the interior of the block. These covered balconies, clad in a different material and colour, contrast with the façade.
• Windows are placed around the façade in a random pattern.

A number of pitched roofs allow the building to harmonise with the existing adjacent structures. The community centre is built around the social restaurant with adjoining kitchen. The main staircase invites you to come in and participate in one of the activities organised around the central atrium. The apartments are spread over 4 levels and are accessible for people with reduced mobility.