Henleykaai 4

Project Name
Henleykaai 4
Function
Multi-family dwelling with 4 residential units
Surface
601,1sq m GFA on a plot of 193sq m
Location
Henleykaai 4, 9000 Gent

concept

The project replaces an outdated building without architectural value and creates four high-quality residential units on a compact plot of 193 m².

Project Description

This urban infill project is based on a thoughtful reading of its context: a narrow plot along the river Leie, enclosed between two existing apartment buildings.
The new multi-family residence comprises six floors and aligns in height and rhythm with the adjacent buildings, creating a harmonious transition within the streetscape.

Each residential unit has its own outdoor space — a combination of recessed terraces and cantilevered concrete balconies — with careful attention to privacy and natural light. The ground-floor duplex enjoys a private garden and roof terrace, embedded between tall existing garden walls that limit visual overlooking.

Architectural Design

The volume is compactly organized within the party walls of the neighbors, with a building depth adapted to the context: 18m on the ground floor and 15m on the upper floors.

Visual quality: The façade design is sleek and contemporary, featuring a clear rhythm of window openings. It is finished with brown-grey facing brick, complemented by light grey concrete elements and dark aluminum joinery.

Materiality: The selected materials are sustainable and understated. The contrast between light concrete accents and dark window frames lends the building a contemporary appearance.

Outdoor space: The garden is designed with permeable paving and a modest green zone, tailored to the limited surface area.

Mobility and Sustainability

The entrance area and bicycle storage are designed with glazed panels and exterior slats, ensuring an open and safe street-level experience.

No car parking spaces are provided, in line with the vision of sustainable urban mobility.

The spacious ground-floor bicycle storage accommodates 12 bicycles — double the minimum requirement.

The building is equipped with an elevator, making accessibility a key asset despite the project’s compact scale.

All flat roofs are connected to a 5,000-liter rainwater tank. The permeable terrace contributes to a responsible water management system.