De Sibbe Shelter House for Children / Atelier M Architects + Planners bv

De Sibbe Shelter House for Children / Atelier M Architects + Planners bv - Exterior Photography, Windows, Brick, FacadeDe Sibbe Shelter House for Children / Atelier M Architects + Planners bv - Exterior Photography, Windows, Brick, FacadeDe Sibbe Shelter House for Children / Atelier M Architects + Planners bv - Interior Photography, Living Room, HandrailDe Sibbe Shelter House for Children / Atelier M Architects + Planners bv - Interior Photography, Dining room, Table, Chair, WindowsDe Sibbe Shelter House for Children / Atelier M Architects + Planners bv - More Images+ 15

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De Sibbe Shelter House for Children / Atelier M Architects + Planners bv - Exterior Photography, Windows, Brick, Facade
© Jolien Fagard

“De Sibbe” – This project encompasses the phased construction of a shelter home for 15 children coming from a household experiencing physical or mental abuse or parents dealing with drug and alcohol addiction. Originally, the plot contained two structures: a garage building and a former doctor's residence housing the former shelter home.

De Sibbe Shelter House for Children / Atelier M Architects + Planners bv - Exterior Photography, Windows, Brick
© Jolien Fagard
De Sibbe Shelter House for Children / Atelier M Architects + Planners bv - Exterior Photography, Windows, Brick, Facade
© Jolien Fagard

Due to spatial constraints and functional inadequacies, there was an urgent need for a suitable new construction, provided that the existing home could remain in use during the initial phase of the project. The main objective was to sustainably translate the highly detailed program requirements into a flexible, phased architecture.

De Sibbe Shelter House for Children / Atelier M Architects + Planners bv - Exterior Photography, Windows, Stairs, Brick, Facade, Handrail
© Jolien Fagard
De Sibbe Shelter House for Children / Atelier M Architects + Planners bv - Interior Photography, Stairs, Beam, Brick, Handrail
© Jolien Fagard

A main structure was initially implanted aligned with the neighboring residence, followed by the addition of two secondary volumes in a subsequent phase, centrally positioned on the plot. This configuration fosters an intimate and homely setting reminiscent of the traditional typology of a courtyard farmstead, harmonizing in scale and appearance with the surrounding dwellings.

De Sibbe Shelter House for Children / Atelier M Architects + Planners bv - Image 16 of 20
Floor Plan

Central to the project is the creation of a cozy, secure, and domestic living environment where children can develop, find solace, engage in group activities, or retreat as needed. Accordingly, communal living and play spaces are provided, ranging from a recreational basement-annex-garden forum to an activity attic, along with alcoves, recessed window sills, sensory rooms, low-stimulation areas, and more. The spatial layout of the project was determined by specific circulation patterns of the various occupants, prioritizing flexibility, playing, and meeting areas for the kids.

De Sibbe Shelter House for Children / Atelier M Architects + Planners bv - Interior Photography, Living Room, Handrail
© Jolien Fagard
De Sibbe Shelter House for Children / Atelier M Architects + Planners bv - Interior Photography, Living Room, Windows
© Jolien Fagard

The design is conceived in layers, transitioning from semi-public spaces facing the street to ‘super’ private areas at the rear of the structure and on the upper floors. Landscape architecture also plays a crucial role in enriching the children's living environment, with the ‘garden forum’ serving as a versatile outdoor space linking the recreational basement level to the garden level through a series of stairs and tribunes.

De Sibbe Shelter House for Children / Atelier M Architects + Planners bv - Interior Photography, Closet
© Jolien Fagard
De Sibbe Shelter House for Children / Atelier M Architects + Planners bv - Interior Photography, Dining room, Table, Chair, Windows
© Jolien Fagard

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Project location

Address:Mechelen, Belgium

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "De Sibbe Shelter House for Children / Atelier M Architects + Planners bv" 23 Feb 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1013632/de-sibbe-shelter-house-for-children-atelier-m-architects-plus-planners-by> ISSN 0719-8884

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