Sleek towers for urban serenity

In Antwerp, two sleek residential towers connected by an imposing glass wall attract attention. With their commanding yet graceful architecture, they evoke a sense of distant legend, offering not only a striking presence but also a sanctuary within, where quiet, comfortable apartments become part of
the structure’s monumental design.

Peaceful ensemble

Constructed with beautiful façade bricks, the connected buildings have been aptly named Louise and Marie after the former children’s hospital that once stood there. This sustainable apartment complex was conceptualised with urban key challenges like sound pollution in mind.

Therefore, the buildings were carefully oriented, while complemented and connected by the eye-catching glass screen, buffering noise. This way the inhabitants can enjoy an oasis of tranquility on the city outskirts while at the same time being optimally connected to the city via main transport routes. The apartments located in the back of the building feature calm and beautiful terraces, creating a harmonious ensemble where shared outdoor space is combined with private terraces.

Tone in tone

Fourteen floors of these stunning towers have been built, using beautiful light grey façade bricks. “The choice of the Terca Elignia Silva Greige brick was primarily influenced by its greyish colour and tactile structure.

The Elignia Silva Greige has a sleek look, a unique uncoated texture, and displays light streaks. In consultation with wienerberger, the desired parameters were achieved: The joint method was determined to achieve a layered horizontal façade texture, a tone-on-tone mortar with classic horizontal joints and minimal vertical joints,” explains Jorn Peeters, project lead at POLO Architects.

Groundbreaking acoustic screen

“An acoustic screen of 45 m height and 22 m length has – to our knowledge – never been realised before. Two large concrete columns were fixed to the buildings with a steel structure. One building serves as a fixed point, and the other as a hinged point to accommodate the movement between the two buildings,” says Bert Lenaerts, CEO of Groep Vanhout.

A special challenge lay in completing the façades, exterior finishes, and the screen simultaneously on a limited work surface. “Building this unique design presented some complex technical challenges, culminating in the acoustic glass screen. Thanks to our engineering and good coordination with all parties involved, we certainly succeeded.” Surrounding both towers is an undulating, atmospheric park garden with low planting and multi-stemmed trees, designed by landscape architect Dirk Vandekerckhove.