“Rising high, a new landmark graces Brussels’ northern entrance.” Imagine driving into the city from Flanders. Porta Agatha stands tall, a symbolic gateway.
This residential tower marks a new era for Berchem-Sainte-Agathe. It sits at the end of Charles Quint Avenue. This is a project by Life Tree Real Estate. Bontinck Architecture & Engineering designed it.
Ans Persoons is Brussels’ Secretary of State for Urban Planning and Heritage. She believes Porta Agatha creates a new landmark. This is especially true for those entering by car. The 90-meter tower is part of a larger revitalization. Other buildings accompany it. These border Charles Quint Avenue and Zellik’s road. This offers a unique chance to improve the local area. The area surrounds the multimodal train station.
Porta Agatha includes 164 housing units. These range from studios to four-bedroom apartments. Each has a terrace. Most have enclosed shelter systems for year-round use. The complex also features public spaces. These measure 1,038 square meters. Commercial spaces add another 1,510 square meters. Underground parking accommodates 158 cars and 41 motorcycles. Residents can use 488 bicycle parking spots. Thirty-seven are for larger bikes. A shared pavilion on a building’s roof provides access to a rooftop garden.
The tower marks the city’s entrance from the west. Its slender form stands twice as tall as nearby buildings. This makes it visible from the R0 highway and the E40 highway. Porta Agatha acts as a beacon for the area.
The project occupies the entire site. It consists of a high-rise residential tower. This tower connects to a mid-rise volume with apartments. These apartments face Keizer Karellaan. Two separate apartment buildings face Zelliksesteenweg. One connects to the mosque.
The tower’s height balances the lower sections of the project. It relates to the Volvo and L’Oréal office buildings. The tower’s lower levels contain a public space. This area covers about 1,000 square meters. A patio enhances this space. The public function will be visible from the entrance to Brussels. This spans three floors.
The lower sections contrast with the tower. They focus on a smaller residential scale. Stone bases and large windows add local character. Public and commercial spaces create constant activity. Entrances on both avenues encourage more foot traffic.
Contrasting glazed bricks and winter garden glass highlight the facade. This creates alternating open and closed sections. The furnished terraces enhance the residential feel. The building’s height offers expansive views.
The tower’s entrance features a covered portal. This “gateway” logically addresses the main road. A passage provides access to the central outdoor space. It also leads to the public space’s entrance. The passage’s position minimizes wind impact.
Along Zelliksesteenweg, the building sits back four meters. This creates an eight-meter zone for greenery. This improves the neighborhood’s quality. Block B connects to existing buildings.
The project offers diverse apartment types. Studios, one, two, three, and four-bedroom units are available. Some one-bedroom apartments include office or hobby spaces. Some living spaces face both directions. All apartments except one have at least two orientations. This ensures sunlight throughout the day. Porta Agatha is more than just a building. It is a symbol of modern Brussels.