Matisse 16

Located in Evere, between Brussels Airport and the city centre, Matisse 16 is one of the frontrunners in the transformation of Brussels’ North-East business district. Once characterised by mono-functional office campuses, the area is evolving into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood where living, working and landscape come together.

Rather than replacing the existing office building, the project builds upon the value already embedded in the site. The robust concrete structure is carefully retained, adapted and extended, significantly reducing embodied carbon while creating a contemporary workplace for the next generation. Alongside the renewed office building, a new residential volume introduces 156 homes, co-living, retail and shared amenities, together forming a coherent urban ensemble.

Landscape is the connective element throughout the development. Existing mature trees are preserved and complemented by generous new planting, creating a healthy environment with high biodiversity, water retention capacity and reduced wind effects. Green courtyards, roof gardens and public spaces extend the landscape into and across the buildings, strengthening the relationship between architecture, nature and everyday urban life.

Circularity and sustainability are embedded throughout the project. Existing structures are reused wherever possible, while urban mining and bio-based materials reduce environmental impact. The development is entirely fossil fuel-free, making use of geothermal energy, heat pumps and more than 1,100 m² of photovoltaic panels. Rainwater harvesting, generous daylight, excellent indoor air quality, thermal comfort and acoustics create healthy places to live and work.

Architecturally, the landscape and both building volumes are conceived as one integrated composition. Together they create a welcoming new gateway to Brussels, demonstrating how adaptive reuse can become a catalyst for resilient and future-proof city-making.