Imagine living in a building that mirrors the sky. That’s the Tour Brunfaut for you. This residential tower stands tall on Fernand Brunfautstraat in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek. It reflects Brussels’ ever-changing skyline.
The Tour Brunfaut is named after Fernand Brunfaut. He was a Brussels architect and politician. The tower dates back to 1965. It was designed by architect Julien Roggen.
Back then, Brussels was in a construction frenzy. The Tour Brunfaut was among the first of many towers. Think of the Louizatoren and the Madoutoren. The Brussels region aimed to create affordable social housing. The Molenbeekse Woningen, a public real estate company, partnered with Roggen for the project.
In 2011, plans emerged to renovate the aging tower. Initially, the idea was to demolish it. A new complex would rise in its place. But residents protested. They wanted renovations. They also sought guarantees to return to the tower.
Luckily, renovation proved cheaper than new construction back then. The renovation was prepared by Dethier and Atelier 229. In Advance carried it out. The project cost around 22 million euros. The Brussels-Capital Region financed it through the SLRB-BGHM.
The Tour Brunfaut has a steel frame. This was revolutionary for Belgian construction in the 1960s. The building houses 98 units. These range from studios to five-bedroom apartments.
To maintain the number of homes post-renovation, architects expanded the base. They added five floors. This nearly doubled the area, from 6500 m² to over 10000 m².
The renovation retained the lightweight feel. It combined the steel frame with cross-laminated timber floors. This wood is light, fire-resistant and more sustainable than concrete.
Apartments with two or more bedrooms feature large patio terraces. These terraces create a U-shape. Modern materials improved the comfort of the homes.
The building now meets passive energy standards. It has a balanced ventilation system. It also boasts a combined heat and power system. A single boiler serves the entire building from the roof. Insulation reduces heat loss by about 90%.
The south facade features aluminum mirror cladding. This makes the Tour Brunfaut reflect the sky. It blends into the city seamlessly.
The renovation also focused on community. Spaces around the tower were made more inviting. Obstacles were removed to open up the base. A multipurpose hall now sits on the ground floor. There are also designated areas for bikes and strollers.
Two support projects assist residents. Bonnevie and La Rue offer technical help. They ensure residents understand the energy-efficient systems.
The Mimosa 1080 project fosters social cohesion. It encourages residents and neighbors to connect. This happens in a space with a shared terrace on the 18th floor.
This rooftop terrace is open to residents. It features a small vegetable garden and seating. The 360-degree view extends far beyond Molenbeek and Brussels.
The Tour Brunfaut stands as a testament to innovative design. It embodies community spirit. Its reflective facade mirrors not just the sky, but also the aspirations of its residents. It won a be.exemplary prize in 2016.