Rotiers Housing Renovation Project in Brussels
Revitalizing 1960s social housing through landscape-integrated architectural intervention.
1Project Scope and Scale
The Rotiers project involves the comprehensive renovation of 46 housing units located in Brussels, Belgium. Spanning a total area of 3,916 square meters, the intervention focuses on updating a structure originally built in the 1960s. The project was completed in 2025, aiming to modernize residential facilities while maintaining the building's historical footprint.
2Architectural Identity Renewal
MULTIPLE Architecture & Urbanism led the design efforts to provide a renewed architectural identity for the social housing complex. The team collaborated with FP architecture to execute the refurbishment. By preserving the existing qualities of the setting, the architects sought to balance modern functional requirements with the building's original structural character and heritage.
3Landscape Integration Strategy
Situated at the edge of the Sonian Forest, the building is surrounded by mature trees. The renovation strategy emphasizes a close relationship with this natural landscape. Designers prioritized the integration of the structure into the neighborhood, ensuring that the building complements its green environment rather than disrupting the existing ecological and visual context.
4Material and Structural Choices
The renovation utilizes a specific palette of materials including wood, steel, and brick to achieve its aesthetic and functional goals. Structural engineering support was provided by GEI to ensure the safety and longevity of the updated units. These materials were selected to harmonize with the surrounding forest environment while improving overall building performance.
5Multi-Scalar Design Approach
The intervention addresses several scales, ranging from the building's broader neighborhood integration to the specific everyday experience of residents. Particular attention was directed toward improving the dwellings themselves, shared outdoor spaces, and building entrances. This holistic approach ensures that improvements benefit both the immediate occupants and the surrounding community members living nearby.
6Social Housing Context
As a social housing project, the Rotiers renovation highlights the ongoing trend of retrofitting mid-century residential stock in European urban centers. By upgrading 46 units, the project demonstrates how older infrastructure can be adapted to contemporary living standards without requiring complete demolition, thus supporting sustainable urban development goals within the Brussels metropolitan area.
7Technical Execution Details
The project documentation, captured by photographer Bruno Dias Ventura, showcases the finished renovation as of 2025. The technical specifications confirm the use of standard residential refurbishment practices tailored for the specific site constraints. The collaboration between architectural and engineering firms highlights the necessity of multidisciplinary expertise when managing complex, large-scale social housing upgrades.
8Impact of Urban Refurbishment
The Rotiers project serves as a case study for balancing heritage preservation with modern residential needs. By focusing on the interplay between architecture and the Sonian Forest, the design team successfully updated the facility's identity. This model provides a clear pathway for future social housing projects seeking to enhance resident quality of life.
Original article: ArchDaily Global — Rotiers Housing Renovation Project in Brussels