Development of new, nearly zero-energy residential neighbourhood is next
Now the major excavation works have been completed and the tower crane erected, the construction of the long-awaited new Stadsterras can start in the centre of Mortsel. During the first phase, contractor Democo, commissioned by city developer Ciril, is building a new, nearly energy-neutral residential area on the old site of the Sint-Lutgardis school. The next phase will be the restoration of the school, the construction of social housing, single-family homes and commercial spaces. The first residents are expected to move in during early 2024.
The Oude-God site in Mortsel has undergone several changes in recent years. For example, the new Parkschool, scouts and out-of-school childcare have already been given new buildings.
“The Stadsterras is the final piece in the renewal of Oude-God. The 1.5-hectare park will eventually be expanded by 1 hectare. This means there will be 2.5 hectares of green space in which Mortsel residents can meet, relax and take part in regular activities. It will be a green, pleasant site where there will also be room to live. This will result in not only the appearance of this part of the city changing significantly, it will also make it a habitable and pleasant place for generations to come.”
Erik Broeckx, Mortsel mayor
Construction work will begin on a new, nearly energy-neutral residential area next week. Ciril is developing a total of three apartment buildings along two new avenues that open onto a neighbourhood square: Mimir, Iduna and Gefion. All are named after ancient Germanic gods, a nod to the icons on the historic Sint-Lutgardis façade.
“In total, the buildings will accommodate 67 residential units. Each building will be finished in its own colour tone – natural, earthy tones, which are reflected in the environment of the park. The heart of Stadsterras will be a neighbourhood square with a sugar maple in the middle and a children’s playground next to it. An underground car park with 250 parking spaces will keep the avenues and square car-free to make room for more greenery and extra trees. The key principle is to make a soft transition between the energetic city and the quiet park.”
Gert Voets, Ciril project developer
Three gods
With seven floors above ground, Gefion is the tallest building in Stadsterras. It was designed by MikeViktorViktor Architects from Antwerp and will be located close to Oude-God. It will have 21 two-bedroom apartments, 18 three-bedroom apartments and one commercial space. All the homes will have spacious terraces and large windows offering a wonderful view over the park.
Mimir is being built on the other side, adjacent to Mechelsesteenweg. This will consist of 12 three-bedroom apartments with terraces and three commercial spaces on the ground floor. Playing with the volume, the META architectuurbureau architects in Antwerp have been smart about the way they have ensured maximum light and views.
Iduna – also designed by META architectuurbureau – will be located between Mimir and Gefion, next to the LBC building and the new neighbourhood square. The small-scale building is five storeys high and consists of eight one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom apartments with spacious terraces and lots of glass for a light and airy feel.
Energy efficient and green
Contractor Democo will build the apartments in accordance with the so-called BEN standards in order to make them almost energy neutral.
“This means they are very well insulated and will consume the minimum amount of energy for heating, ventilation and cooling. We also work with underfloor heating to ensure optimal comfort. Solar panels installed on the roof will generate green electricity. Naturally, we also provide green zones and wadis on the site. The latter offer cooling during hot days and hot summers, and collect rainwater during heavy rain showers. You could say that what we’re building here will be climate-proof.”
Gert Voets, Ciril project developer
Second stage
If everything goes according to plan, the restoration of the Sint-Lutgardis school and the construction of apartments, social housing, single-family homes and commercial spaces towards Edegemsestraat will follow in the second phase.
The first residents of the Mimir, Iduna and Gefion apartment buildings, whose sale will start this weekend, will probably be able to move in during the autumn of 2024.
“To be clear, Stadsterras is not breaking new ground: we’re building on the site of outdated and dilapidated buildings and sites. We’re going to renovate the valuable parts of the Sint-Lutgardis school to preserve it as much as possible. This combination of new construction and renovation means the site will be redeveloped into a responsible and climate-friendly district.”
Gert Voets, Ciril project developer
More information about the project can be found at https://stadsterras.be.
