Louise Marie

the idea that peaceful and comfortable living can only be found outside the city is outdated
This brand new urban development project has a clever approach to the limited space available. Two meticulously oriented slender towers are connected to each other through a glass screen. Thanks to this screen and the roofing of the Antwerp ring road, Louise Marie will turn into a centrally located haven of peace, strategically positioned on the outskirts of the city.
Location

Desguinlei / Karel Oomsstraat
Antwerp
Belgium

Year
2022
Surface area
21.522m²
Status
realized
Client
Cores Development
Landscape design
  • Dirk Vandekerkhove Landschapsarchitecten
winning competition design
Photography
Stijn Bollaert
Drone
Michael Jami

Transparent noise barrier

POLO spread 207 apartments and penthouses across two elegant fourteen-storey residential towers. The two meticulously oriented buildings, Louise and Marie - named after the former children's hospital, are connected through an impressive glass screen. This barrier buffers the noise pollution of the inner and outer ring roads and creates a pleasant acoustic microclimate. Behind the screen, residents can enjoy the peace and quiet on their outdoor balconies. The design team also included solutions for noise pollution control on the buildings' outer shell. Balconies and terraces on that side are walled and can be closed off according to the loggia principle.

Dialogue between interior and exterior

In line with its interdisciplinary methodology, POLO was not only responsible for the architectural concept, but also for the interior design for the common areas (entrance hall, bicycle storage, multipurpose hall). The timeless design is characterised by clear lines and attention to the smallest details. The ground floor is a bright and open space that offers privacy and peace.

For the interior design, top-quality, sustainable and warm materials were used to achieve uniformity with the architecture and the landscape. By installing large window sections and extending the outside flooring into the lobby, POLO managed to create a seamless integration of the interior and exterior. Louise Marie also features an in-house gym, a convenient service app and a resident concierge. An overall concept that significantly increases quality of life and living.

New gateway to the city

The two towers have a different volume, which makes for a pleasant and frivolous appearance. The apartments are bright and spacious, and residents, particularly on the higher floors, can enjoy magnificent panoramic views. But Louise Marie is also an iconic landmark for all traffic entering Antwerp from the inner ring road. Its elegant towers, water features, park garden and transparent acoustic screen combine for a new urban dynamic, a landmark that radiates peace and transparency.