Nieuw Zuid: Extraordinary urban development by the river Scheldt

Renowned architects

The large-scale urban development is a collaboration between real estate developer Triple Living and the city of Antwerp. Architectural firm Secchi-Viganò was responsible for the master plan and has attracted many renowned architects to make this ambitious project a success. We give you an overview of five of these talented designers and their projects for Nieuw Zuid.

Stefano Boeri

Bosco Verticale

Palazzo Verde is the first Belgian project of the renowned architect-urbanist Stefano Boeri. He achieved world fame with his design of the Bosco Verticale in his home city of Milan, two skyscrapers that are completely encased in greenery. His creation of the sustainable Forest City in China’s Guangxi province, where an entire city is covered with a rich variety of plants and trees, also received international acclaim.

Palazzo Verde

“I opted for a lively design that incorporates nature,” says Boeri about his Antwerp project. The building bears his trademark features: a pure, timeless architecture with countless plants fanning out over the stepped facades. Palazzo Verde promises to be one of the greenest buildings in Belgium. A micro-forest that will be created on the roof gardens and balconies will account for 86 trees, 1,000 shrubs and 1,200 plants, which together will purify more than 5 tons of CO2 per year. “We felt that at this location in Nieuw Zuid it was essential to emphasise the openness of the building,” says the architect. That is why they opted for an L-shaped design with three large communal roof gardens. In addition, Palazzo Verde has a spacious courtyard, so that all apartments are connected to the greenery. “In this way, the residents maintain an unparalleled connection with nature, in the middle of a modern city,” says Boeri.

Robbrecht & Daem

Huis Aan De Kade

The acclaimed Ghent architectural firm Robbrecht & Daem took on several projects on the site of Nieuw Zuid. Their housing project Huis Aan De Kade immediately catches the eye because of its serrated facades from which one can look at the Scheldt from unexpected angles. The traditional veranda has been replaced by an inviting winter garden and the stylish wooden window distribution gives the building an inviting and homely character.

Zuiderhuis

With Zuiderhuis, the Robbrecht & Daem  has designed a second and equally impressive building at Nieuw Zuid. This new project stands on column supports, giving the building the impression of floating on air. The Zuiderhuis will be built in warm terracotta hues that were inspired by the Indian city of Fatehpur Sikri, renowned for its unique architecture.

Johannes Normender

Scandinavian simplicity

The designs of the Swedish architect Johannes Normender are known for their pure lines and Scandinavian solidity, characteristics that are also fully reflected in his project for Nieuw Zuid. “Scandinavian design is praised for its reduction. This tradition of simplicity can also be felt at HÅVN. With simple lines, we create a sense of harmony,” states the architect.

HÅVN

HÅVN is Normender’s first assignment abroad. Central to this design is the Scheldt, which flows right next to the building. HÅVN was oriented perpendicular to the stream, and arranged in such a way that each apartment has a maximum view over the water. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow the daylight to fully enter the rooms and provide breathtaking views. The apartment complex has been built with concrete that was cast in situ, which gives it a rough and solid appearance, and has been finished with matching powder-coated aluminum accents.

Vincent Van Duysen

Home port

The world famous Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen designed the tasteful Schelde 21 residential care complex for Nieuw Zuid. It was a meaningful project for Van Duysen, who has realised numerous exclusive projects at home and abroad. “Antwerp is my home port, my office is also located in this city. Contributing to the quality of life in Antwerp is something very close to my heart,” says Van Duysen.

Schelde 21

The residential care complex designed by Van Duysen houses prestigious assisted living apartments that include an unprecedented service. Schelde 21 has an indoor swimming pool with wellness zone, a hair salon and a quality restaurant and exudes the allure of a luxury resort. “People often think of sterile homes when they hear the word assisted living, but I want people to feel at home here,” says Van Duysen. By using warm materials he succeeds in creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The panoramic view of the Scheldt from the spacious living terraces give these upscale apartments their finishing touch.

Max Dudler

Future-oriented architecture

Max Dudler also took on the design of a remarkable apartment complex in Nieuw Zuid. “It was a great opportunity to work in Antwerp on such a large, cohesive urban area with an excellent master plan,” says Dudler. The Swiss architect swears by an architecture that is not ephemeral or fashionable, but future-oriented. “When it comes to architecture and urban planning, we should not build for five or ten minutes, but for a hundred years. We need to transform the physiognomy of a city into a modern, future-oriented architecture,” he explains.

Scheldehof

The Scheldehof consists of a wide variety of apartments with a view of the Scheldt or the extensive courtyard with large green areas. All flats have extra high ceilings that give the living areas a light and roomy feeling and feature a terrace room that serves as an extra living space. The design is oriented towards the water and emphasises the symbiosis between city and landscape.