Architects: Stéphane Beel Architects
Area: 13,090 m²
Year: 2017
Photography: Jan Liégeois, Piet-Albert Goethals, Laziz Hamani, Exelmans Graphics
Lead Architects: Stéphane Beel, Bram Seghers
Structural Engineering: Studieburo Mouton
Acoustics: Blasco bvba
Engineering: Botec nv
Energy: EDV Engineering
Collaborators: Sophie Meersseman, Line Lambrechts, Jan Van Loven, Philippe Morel, Jeroen Jonckheere
Client: Idetex nv
City: Wijnegem
Country: Belgium
Kanaal, a mixed-use development by Stéphane Beel Architects in Wijnegem, Belgium. Completed in 2017, the project transforms silos from an old malt house into housing, museum space, and offices. the design retains the industrial character while introducing new structures, ensuring natural light, contemporary functionality, and visual harmony between preserved and modernized elements.
A 19th-century industrial site near Antwerp, Belgium, along the Albert Canal, has been reimagined into a contemporary mixed-use development. The site incorporates housing units, museum spaces, workshops, offices, and underground parking. Stéphane Beel Architects focused on repurposing the silos of the former malt house as part of the larger project.
Transforming the grey silos required a careful approach to balance new functions with the original character. Two silos, measuring 31 and 28 meters in height, were partially demolished and replaced with slender, transparent volumes. These additions bring in natural light while preserving the visual integrity of the complex.
Six of the existing silos were kept intact but perforated with small openings to create housing units. Configurations include either circular floor plans in the original silos or square ones in the new structures. Open living spaces in the new silos contrast with the solid concrete forms, maintaining the complex’s architectural coherence. Openings in the old silos follow structural patterns, offering specific outward views.
Transparent silos are strategically placed at key positions within the complex. New and existing silos are connected by glass bridges, and a raised platform links the ground-level sections, providing museum spaces and access to housing units. Circulation areas integrate with adjacent white silos through similar bridge designs.
The white silos were replaced due to structural stability issues. A new housing volume was constructed above the existing ‘karnak’ space, clad in white or bare wood. Reflective silver-white glass complements this new addition, creating a deliberate contrast with the retained grey silos.
The interventions uphold the silo complex’s industrial identity while adapting it to contemporary standards of comfort and safety. Enhanced natural light and the interplay between preserved and modern structures ensure the site’s historical and aesthetic value remains intact.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: 17 Stokerijstraat, Antwerp 2110, Belgium
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
