Kasterlinden campus reaches completion with final addition

To address the rising demand for specialised provision for pupils with behavioural and emotional disorders in Dutch-language education in Brussels, the Vlaamse Gemeenschapscommissie (VGC) commissioned the expansion of the Kasterlinden campus. Serving as a follow-up to POLO’s previously completed phase on the site, the practice was appointed to design and deliver the final building on the campus, tailored specifically for pupils with a type 3 report, that is, those with severe behavioural and emotional challenges. 

From January 2026, the building will welcome its new occupants, with capacity for 50 pupils, day care for 30 children, an expanded boarding facility for 10 residents, and dedicated workspaces for context guidance and the expertise centre.

The building is designed to meet the particular needs of specialised education while ensuring the pupils’ safety and enabling them to flourish. The classrooms accommodate both learning and care, and are complemented by therapy rooms, consultation spaces, and time-out areas. Thanks to its location, the children find themselves in a green environment, with the playground and the rooftop terrace (level +1) literally blending into the trees. 

Architecturally, the building aligns with the existing campus through the use of brick and concrete, while subtle brick detailing gives it a distinct identity. Future flexibility was a core principle: the load-bearing structure is concentrated in the façade, columns and beams, leaving internal walls non-structural. This modular design enables long-term adaptability and ensures that the building can evolve with its users. Serving as a sequel to POLO’s previously completed phase on the campus, this project advances the site’s gradual and ongoing redevelopment.