The incubator in question is part of the Cleantech Campus, which is part of a redevelopment plan for the centre of Houthalen-Helchteren, involving the development of parks and residential areas. The proposal aims to strengthen the relationship between the city centre and the former mining site
Renovation of a former mining site. Preservation of the character of existing elements
Belgian architectural firm HUB renovates the main building of the Houthalen-Helchteren mining site in favour of an incubator for the Cleantech industry, as part of a redevelopment plan involving the site and the city centre
The northern facade of the incubator in alignment with this floor is extended across its entire width on the ground floor, creating an entrance. The purpose of the renovation is to create a second entrance, which is in contrast to the historical entrance on the eastern side, facing the city centre
The modifications of the building have been made with a view to its future use as an incubator, in order to guarantee comfort and practicality in the interior for that precise use. The plan includes four new cores, which serve both as technical trees and to facilitate circulation inside the building
Around the central atrium there are also second and third floors. The modifications respect and try to preserve the character of the existing buildings as much as possible. The floor is completely redesigned because it is too industrial in nature and in its place a reception area, visitor centre, exhibition areas and accommodation facilities are added
Gallery
HUB
Rijnkaai 22, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium