- Architecture & development
Nieuw Zuid is preparing for yet another architectural high-flyer: Scheldehof, designed by Max Dudler, is the seventeenth building launched by project developer Triple Living in the new Antwerp city site. Future residents will be able to enjoy a unique view of the Scheldt and the city. Inside and outside enter into a dialogue, creating timeless and spacious apartments in a pleasing and sustainable environment.
With Swiss architect Max Dudler, Triple Living has brought an internationally renowned name to Antwerp to design a building for the green residential site in Nieuw Zuid. In this restricted-traffic neighbourhood, liveability and sustainability are key elements, which is reflected not only in the twelve hectares of greenery – including a large park, cosy courtyards and plant-rich (roof) terraces – but also in the architectural gems that will rise up from the ground. In recent years, the project developer has managed to convince other top designers and agencies such as Vincent Van Duysen, POLO Architects, Stefano Boeri, Atelier Kempe Thill and Robbrecht and Daem to collaborate on the innovative urban development. Working with them was a conscious choice of the builder: "From the outset, we have focused on three areas: architecture, sustainability and environment. Three pillars in which we strongly believe. We are convinced that this approach will pay off, for the site as a whole and for the residents," explains Kristof Schellekens of Triple Living. As a result, Nieuw Zuid generated a lot of international attention. Architecture students from the Netherlands, Germany and even Japan came to visit the Antwerp site. The company is extremely proud of what it is doing here and recently saw the launch of their seventeenth project: Scheldehof. Once again, a real high-flyer – literally and figuratively – which we are all too happy to put in the spotlight.
A real high-flyer that we are all too happy to put in the spotlight.
Seeing it big
Simple, purified lines have become the trademark of Max Dudler, who, since 1992, has been at the head of his eponymous design agency. His conceptual approach has earned him numerous nominations and awards with his design for Nieuw Zuid clearly seeing it big as well. The project was given the name 'Scheldehof', appropriate because it’s situated on the edge of the site with a view of the river Scheldt and consists of two buildings around a courtyard garden (‘hof’ in Dutch). The 80-metre-high main building and the lower L-shaped building are in dialogue with each other through their complementary staircase-like configuration. The dynamic vertical structure is reminiscent of an inverted staircase. The floors of the horizontal building are cascading downwards creating lush terraces facing the inner courtyard. The sand-coloured façades of both parts form an open structure that wraps itself like a grid around the windows and glass doors. The colonnades give it all a tight rhythm and a playful depth.
All 300 residences of Scheldehof have extra high ceilings, a spacious balcony and even a winter garden. There is a large variety of apartments and a vast communal roof terrace. Inside and outside merge with each other and residents always have a beautiful view of the city, the courtyard and/or the river Scheldt. This creates a pleasant feeling of spaciousness inside. 
Nieuw Zuid is in full bloom
The seeds have been planted and the construction for Max Dudler's project will start at the beginning of 2020, but the restricted-traffic city district is already alive and kicking. The neighbourhood in the south of Antwerp has been on the rise for several years now and is seeing enormous growth in both commercial activities and residential opportunities. The real estate value in the wider area is visibly increasing as well. On top of that, Scheldehof plans to create another 2,300 square metres of office space and the ground floor will be filled by restaurants and other businesses. This is yet another great addition to the new and vibrant city district which already has quite a few hospitality companies and four art galleries.
Projects characterised by simplicity and purified lines.
A walk through Nieuw Zuid is always a different experience as new projects follow each other in rapid succession. The neighbourhood is flourishing more and more and that is partly due to the impressive contribution of landscape architect Bas Smets. With the urban development master plan, designed by the Italian architectural firm Secchi-Viganò, the focus was not only on architecture but also on sustainability with plenty of greenery. Already a nice area to walk around in, it’s interesting to see the neighbourhood evolve, to see it grow towards the future. Max Dudler called his contribution to this project "a great opportunity". The architect, himself, likes to play a role in improving the quality of life in a city. This results in new types of housing and new ways to combine living and working. He said the following about Nieuw Zuid: "I find it important to create vibrant city districts. I think this is where the future of the city lies. In twenty, thirty or a hundred years' time, Nieuw Zuid will still be relevant.”” 
This article was originally published in Imagicasa Autumn 2019. You can still order it through our webshop, along with all our other previous issues.
All images courtesy of Triple Living