# MASEREEL Artist Residences: Circular Architecture in Belgium A sustainable, adaptable housing project designed for international artists in Kasterlee. - **Source:** [ArchDaily Global](https://brifing.si/source/b856ce4a-b51b-4705-954b-40620e034caa) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/f2f2b5fa-6222-4c86-93ab-12c83e2d4af4 ## Project Overview and Location The MASEREEL Artist Residences project is located in Kasterlee, Belgium, serving as a contemporary arts center. Designed by FRANTZEN et al architecten and {define}, the facility functions as an international residency for graphic arts and printed media. It integrates modern housing solutions directly into the surrounding wooded landscape of the region. ## Architectural Design Philosophy The design focuses on creating a compact, circular, and adaptable building structure. By prioritizing these architectural principles, the team aims to rethink temporary lodging for visiting artists. The project emphasizes sustainability, ensuring the built environment remains in harmony with the natural forest setting while meeting the functional needs of residents. ## Technical Specifications and Scale The total area of the architecture project spans 1109 square meters. Completed in 2026, the structure utilizes specific material choices, primarily wood and stone, to achieve its aesthetic and environmental goals. These materials were selected to support the building's long-term durability and its overall commitment to sustainable construction practices in Belgium. ## Collaborative Design Team The project was led by architects Wesley Lanckriet, Tom Frantzen, and Robby Vandenhouwe. The design team worked alongside a comprehensive technical group, including structural engineers from denkbar and MEP consultants from TECH3. Landscape architecture was handled by Aldrik Heirman, while SoniQ provided acoustic consulting and Realed managed the environmental sustainability aspects of construction. ## Construction and Project Management Vanhout.pro served as the general contractor responsible for the physical execution of the site. Project management was overseen by Facilitair Bedrijf, ensuring that the complex requirements of the residency were met during the build phase. This collaborative effort allowed for the successful integration of specialized technical systems within the wooden structure. ## Sustainability and Materiality Sustainability is a core pillar of the MASEREEL Artist Residences, reflected in both the material selection and the circular design approach. By utilizing wood and stone, the architects minimized the environmental footprint of the 1109 square meter facility. These choices ensure the building remains adaptable for future needs while respecting the local ecology. ## Cultural Context of Residency As a hub for graphic arts and printed media, the MASEREEL center requires spaces that foster creativity and focus. The new residences provide a quiet, immersive environment for artists to work in a natural setting. This project highlights the growing trend of integrating high-quality residential architecture into specialized cultural and artistic institutions. ## Future Implications for Design The completion of this project in 2026 demonstrates the viability of circular design in small-scale cultural infrastructure. By successfully blending adaptability with a compact footprint, the architects provide a model for future artist residencies. This development underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between architects, engineers, and environmental consultants in modern construction. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.archdaily.com/1187689/masereel-artist-residences — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._