RAVELIJNPLEIN NIEUWPOORT
Ravelijnplein in Nieuwpoort is an urban infill project that responds to the growing demand for high-quality, affordable housing for an aging population. Designed by maf architecten from Kortrijk and commissioned by SHM IJzer en Zee, the project comprises 36 assisted living apartments and three privately owned homes. Together with WZC De Zathe, the site forms an integrated residential and care environment where architecture, landscape, and healthcare seamlessly merge.
The project emerged as the winning entry in the “Jonge Architecten Aan Zet” (2014) competition, an initiative of the Orde van Architecten, NAV, and Wonen in Vlaanderen. With 57 submissions, the competition provided a platform for young architects to develop innovative concepts for social housing and assisted living. maf architecten distinguished themselves with a vision that harmoniously blends flexibility, sustainability, and spatial layering.
The design combines a clear spatial structure with a sequence of volumes that enhance diversity and social interaction. Despite a uniform residential program, the project introduces variation through the strategic integration of collective spaces and green areas. The inner gardens, designed by Studio Basta, function as seasonal garden rooms that enhance living comfort and offer ever-changing perspectives. A covered gallery connects the residences, creating a sheltered meeting space, while the surrounding park softens the transition between the housing units and the care center.
By striking a subtle balance between open and enclosed spaces, the design encourages social interaction without compromising privacy and autonomy. The result is a living environment where residents feel at home, with care services seamlessly integrated into daily life.
For maf architecten, this project marked a breakthrough in their practice. Since then, the firm has established itself as a key player in social housing, master planning, and public architecture. Ravelijnplein demonstrates the impact of well-conceived architectural competitions and highlights how design can contribute to sustainable and inclusive urban development.
