De Blokskens

Heritage renovation with focus on preservation and reuse

Meyers Heere Van Zwyndrecht 1842. You can still read this inscription on one of the houses. Where there used to be a row of workers' houses in Zandhoven, you will now find a small neighborhood called Buurschap De Blokskens, built using reclaimed materials from the old houses.

In 2017, Woonmaatschappij LeefGoed opened Buurschap De Blokskens in Zandhoven, featuring:
● 4 renovated homes
● 13 newly built homes

Maximum reuse of building materials
The story of De Blokskens begins with a row of workers' houses from 1842, recognized as a protected monument. The Happel Cornelisse Verhoeven architecture firm brought these neglected homes into the 21st century while staying true to their original structure. Old materials were given a second life in the new design—the walls, roof structures, and wooden ceilings were fully reclaimed. The newest walls have no load-bearing function, allowing them to be easily removed if the home is repurposed in the future.

Newly built homes in the same style
Alongside the renovated workers' houses, three additional blocks with a total of 13 new homes were constructed in the same style. The architects prioritized environmentally friendly and low-maintenance materials that age beautifully. For example, the floors and roofs are made of solid wood, while the facades are built with masonry.

Buurschap De Blokskens has become a unique residential area in Zandhoven, harmonizing perfectly with the surrounding buildings and landscape.