Under Construction.

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With this project, we aim to restore the identity of two adjoining historic buildings and reveal their layered architectural history. The oldest of the two once featured a distinctive crow-stepped gable facing the Market Square—still intact, though completely concealed by a later addition. Our design proposes to open up the more recent structure with its rounded façade, creating a striking double-height interior space from which the original gable and chimney become visible once again. This gesture not only reconnects the buildings with their past but also allows visitors to intuitively understand their historical evolution.

By cutting back the later volume at a clean angle, we introduce a new, open gable facing the square. This new frontage will feature a fully glazed façade, allowing the interior to engage with the public realm. To mitigate solar gain and excessive visual exposure, we introduce a secondary façade of terracotta breeze blocks—an open masonry screen that adds texture, rhythm, and a soft sense of enclosure. The entire ensemble will be finished in a muted off-white/grey tone, echoing historic colour palettes, while the red-tiled roof will be carefully restored in its current configuration.

The entire building is being reimagined as a hospitality venue. The dramatic double-height space fosters a visual and spatial connection with the upper floor, giving it new life and functionality. A mezzanine-level will support the offering of light meals, steering the concept toward a grand café or tavern—a place for conversation and conviviality from daytime through evening, rather than a traditional pub.

The fully opened gable will act as a new architectural interface with the square. The terracotta breeze block screen, in a soft Arena white, complements the main façades while lending a sense of intimacy and mystery. The result is a respectful yet bold dialogue between the building and its urban context—an architectural beacon that engages the square with quiet confidence.

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^CREDITS

Status: 2024-2025
Team: Seger Delmulle, Robert Barbir

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