VK services
- Architecture
- Structural Engineering
- Infrastructure
- Building Services
- Landscape Design
- Interior Architecture
technical data
- client
- Brothers of Charity
- architect
- VK
- size
- 90 beds
- surface
- 5,400 m2
- date
- start of project: 2001
- finished in: 2009
- location
- Dave, Belgium
psychiatric nursing home saint-martin
new development of a psychiatric nursing home
This psychiatric nursing home for 90 patients is on the campus of the mental asylum of Saint-Martin (Dave), where VK has been active since the 1980s. The focus is on social reintegration within a structured community environment. The whole was therefore designed to resemble a small village with houses, streets, pedestrian zones, public and semi-public spaces, gardens, lawns, vistas and fences.
The home comprises the buildings Escale (60 beds for residents who require more assistance) and Notre Dame (30 beds for more independent residents). An activities centre is directly connected to Escale via a covered walkway. Residents of Notre Dame reach the activities centre through the garden, which has a therapeutic effect. The differences in the levels of the terrain create a fascinating interaction between the buildings and their various heights.
In order to improve the overall readability of the site, circulation and living areas have been separated. Circulation is grouped on a plateau, which functions as a backbone which connects all services. Terraces, lawns and activity areas provide variety along the way. The living spaces are oriented to the south, and overlook the garden park. The rooms are mainly directed towards the south west.


