“Avant-gardisch experiment” someone mutters. That’s what they called Ieder Zijn Huis. This flat building stands in Evere a municipality of Brussels. Ieder Zijn Huis translates to “Everyone His Home”.
Let’s step back to the 1950s. The social housing company named “Ieder Zijn Huis” wanted to create a new apartment building. Initially they asked Le Corbusier to design it but he declined. The Belgian architect Willy Van Der Meeren took on the project. He was known for his prefabricated housing designs even though they never went into production.
Ieder Zijn Huis opened its doors in 1961. The building showcased a modernist style. It used prefabricated concrete panels. These panels even had the windows already installed.
One unique feature is how the floors are connected. Three stories share a single hallway. Apartments above or below connect to this hallway with a staircase. The building has twelve floors of apartments.
By 2009 Ieder Zijn Huis needed serious upgrades. It no longer met modern standards. A major renovation began in 2012 and lasted until 2015. The renovation kept the original design. However it added modern comforts and energy efficiency.
During the renovation the original concrete panels were replaced. The new panels offered better insulation. Apartments gained acoustic and thermal insulation. The windows now have ventilation and sun protection.
The project won the FEBE Outstanding Precast Award in 2013. The building now has 103 low-energy apartments.
Ieder Zijn Huis stands as a testament to innovative social housing. It balances architectural vision with modern living. It’s a building with a story etched in concrete and community.