Grande Haie Social Housing by P&P Architectes

On Grande Haie Street in Etterbeek, Brussels, a neighborhood that combines urban density with an abundance of greenery, two residential buildings from 1924–1925 have been carefully restored and reimagined. The Grande Haie Social Housing project, led by P&P Architectes, provides 50 housing units and stands as an example of how architectural heritage can coexist with contemporary needs. The project balances respectful preservation with thoughtful densification, ensuring that the historic fabric remains intact while enhancing livability and fostering community.

Preserving the Spirit of the 1920s

The street-facing façades, a testament to the architectural identity of the early 20th century, were restored with great sensitivity. PVC windows were replaced with timber joinery faithful to the original proportions, while historic entrance doors were reinstated to reinforce the building’s authentic character. Decorative details were gently cleaned and preserved, ensuring that the buildings continue to reflect the dignity and identity of the 1920s social housing heritage.

This approach underscores the project’s guiding principle: continuity with the past, rather than erasure. The preserved façades ensure that the renovated buildings remain firmly rooted in the neighborhood’s collective memory, while their revitalized function responds to the housing needs of the present.

Harnessing Orientation and Light

Behind the façades, the project takes advantage of its south-facing orientation to create bright, airy interiors. The reconfiguration of the mansard roofs—completed with new dormer windows—respects the original volume while unlocking additional usable space. These interventions enhance efficiency within the existing structure and allow the creation of units tailored to diverse households.

By working with the natural qualities of the site, the design maximizes daylight and promotes a healthier, more open domestic environment, in contrast to the more compartmentalized layouts of the original 1920s buildings.

Contemporary Expressions at the Rear

While the street façades celebrate heritage, the rear extensions introduce a distinctly contemporary architectural language. Vertical additions, clad in standing seam zinc, recall the materiality of the original roofs while simultaneously asserting a modern identity. The rhythm of the façades is animated by staggered balconies, which bring dynamism and depth to the composition.

These balconies and terraces provide residents with valuable private outdoor areas, while also acting as passive environmental devices. In summer, they function as sunshades, improving interior comfort and reducing energy demands. At ground level, treated timber cladding offers a softer material presence, grounding the new structures within the garden setting and creating a warm transition between architecture and landscape.

Interiors: Past and Present in Dialogue

The interior interventions respect the character of the original buildings while ensuring modern comfort. Wooden and terrazzo staircases were restored and preserved, reinforcing a tangible connection between past and present. These elements, once purely functional, now carry symbolic weight—offering daily reminders of the building’s long history while contributing to its renewed identity.

Landscapes for Community Life

At the heart of the project lies an equally important transformation: the reimagining of the outdoor spaces. To the rear, the site has been reshaped into a series of private gardens, soft pathways, and a shared courtyard, designed as extensions of the living environment. These spaces encourage both individual retreat and collective interaction, promoting a healthier and more socially vibrant community.

A new pedestrian and cyclist passageway opened through Rue Fort de Boncelles connects the block more seamlessly with its surrounding context, improving accessibility and weaving the project into the wider neighborhood. Within the courtyard, shared gardens, seating areas, and even a sports pitch contribute to a diverse outdoor program, fostering intergenerational exchange and community building.

A Contemporary Model for Social Housing

The Grande Haie Social Housing project illustrates how careful architectural interventions can serve as a bridge between heritage and modernity. By preserving historic façades, reinterpreting roofscapes, introducing contemporary extensions, and reactivating green spaces, P&P Architectes have created housing that is not only functional and sustainable but also deeply contextual and humane.

This project demonstrates a model of sensitive densification, showing that urban housing renewal does not need to erase the past. Instead, it can elevate heritage, enriching the present while providing a framework for community-oriented living in the future.

Photography: Nicolas da Silva Lucas