In 2006, in a temporary partnership with the agency Dethier & Associés, VK won the architectural design competition for the renovation of a rehabilitation centre in Esneux, Belgium. STUDIO VK’s active involvement in the health sector, supported by several visits to projects of VK, was an obvious plus point for the jury. VK’s focus on the comfort of the patient, visitors and staff, combined with their commitment to reducing operating costs, was also greatly appreciated.

The renovation project covers 6,000 m² and consists of three parts: hydrotherapy and consulting rooms on the ground floor, with hospitalisation services on the floor. The hydrotherapy department has several pools, with extensive physiotherapy and occupational therapy rooms, all equipped with the necessary facilities, including changing rooms with showers. The outdoor construction also contains a fully equipped rehabilitation track. The hospital has a total of 40 beds divided over 2 nursing units, and 2 apartments. In an environment where patients are intensively transported in wheelchairs and beds, much attention was paid to the ergonomics and user-friendliness of the site. To this end, spacious and homelike rooms were designed with terraces overlooking the green area, so as to make long stays (up to 6 months) as pleasant as possible.