Together with Anno Architecten and Lime engineering (stability), Ingenium was in charge of the design of the techniques within the framework of the redevelopment assignment of the Kraainem Monastery.

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From convent to caring community
The Visitation Convent, designed by Dom Paul Bellot, housed the Visitation Sisters for decades. After their departure in 2021, the site will be given a new purpose as a caring community for vulnerable young mothers and their children. The new owner will continue the tradition of caring for people and heritage.

Vision and approach
Architectural firm aNNo developed a redevelopment study using their quadrant model, which maps architecture and meaning. The classic pillars of monastic life - praying, working, caring and receiving - are given a contemporary interpretation with permanent residents (professionals and volunteers), temporary guests and an open connection to the neighborhood.

Restoration and functions
Preservation is central: minimal interventions, respect for facades and reinforcement of existing spatial qualities. New functions interweave organically: modular accommodation units in the cells, restaurant in the refectory, chapel as public space and a healing garden with bio-ecological cultivation. The former dwellings are given a social and caring interpretation.

With attention to the historically valuable parts in the monastery from the early 20th century, the following items were housed in the monastery:

• Restaurant
• Residence spaces (cohousing, apartments)
• Crèche
• Workshops and therapy rooms
• Multi-purpose chapel
• Practice rooms and delivery wing (next phase)

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The importance of sustainability for the clients Mr. and Mrs. Querton was investigated in an energy feasibility study, respecting the heritage.
The technical installations are completely renewed except for the existing gas boilers (as backup) and some cast iron radiators.

Sustainable techniques
A selection of the sustainable techniques in the design are:

• Air/water heat pump
• PV system integrated on a historic monument
• Solar water heating system
• LT heating
• Passive cooling via air groups

The latest techniques are integrated but with particular attention to the aesthetic context of the monastery.
For example, bakelite switchgear, custom-made fixtures, etc. are used.

Collaboration and future
The redevelopment came about through a multidisciplinary collaboration between building owner, heritage authorities and experts. The result is a sustainable care community that preserves the spirit of the monastery and opens up to society in a future-oriented way.

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