BEL014 – MASTERPLAN FOR THE ‘GIELSBOS’ CENTRE
The masterplan for Het Gielsbos is based on three principles: compactness, visibility, and flexibility.
All buildings at Het Gielsbos are centrally positioned within a compact square measuring 200 meters per side. In this way, Het Gielsbos becomes a small village: a lively community. The square village core measures 200 x 200 meters.
A grid ensures maximum flexibility: options range from one building with 290 rooms, to five large buildings, or even 33 individual buildings. We opt for maximum individuality and choose a small-scale approach with 27 individual homes. This enhances recognizability and contributes to the livability of the village.
We propose patio houses, where every resident can open a window to smell a tree. A patio offers intimacy for the resident, control for the staff, and brings greenery and daylight deep into the home. Tall windows allow even a bedridden person to see the sky and sun as well as the grass and ground.