“Herdershove” provides a contemporary answer to the practical needs of nursing homes. The nursing home seeks a balance between technical requirements in terms of nursing, a home-like atmosphere and a lifestyle in which its residents feel comfortable.

In phase I (1992-1998), at the periphery of Bruges, VK designed a new structure to replace an earlier nursing home in the heart of the city. An extensive organisation into residential groups and clear zoning of daytime and nighttime zoning limit the feeling of alienation that can hinder new residents. The varying structural volumes create a small-scale orientation. Warm materials and colours reinforce the homelike atmosphere.

In 2003, VK was approached in connection with an extension comprising 63 residential units, 20 studios and 10 short-stay rooms. This project also replaced a nursing home in the heart of Bruges. To the north, its first phase flows smoothly into a village square that brings together all community facilities. Consequently, the home now offers a wide range of normalised living solutions in small-scale groups. In phase 2 several additional facilities were integrated to reinforce the overall nursing home: self-service and a bar, a shop, a kinetic therapy room, relaxation rooms for the staff, etc. Several rooms were also designed as multipurpose areas: the single rooms can easily be converted to double rooms and the rooms can easily be adapted to fill the needs of the residents. In this way, rooms can continue to serve the requirements of more intensive nursing care.