Laathof 44 Social Houses / plusoffice architects

On the outskirts of Westerlo, a new social housing neighbourhood 'Laathof' is being pushed into an oversized allotment structure. Just a stone's throw from a flood-prone area around the river 'Wimp', the neighbourhood has a responsibility to be rainwater neutral. Here, the public space is designed as a water machine that shows how natural systems can contribute to infiltration, buffering and reuse of rainwater. The region of Flanders has as a strong culture in private house ownership, therefore, every home has a strong desire for individual expression. Certainly in smaller residential areas, the dream of the individual home on his own plot is deeply rooted. A large-scale group housing project can be a stark contrast here. The design pays attention to the individuality of each house and its outdoor space, without losing architectural coherence. We want to prioritise the recognisability of one's home as a design principle.