in woumen, a small town in western belgium, brussels-based firm URA has replaced a horse stable and paddock with a restaurant and kitchen contained within four gabled volumes. located at the intersection of two country roads, the entire complex is articulated around an external courtyard, which separates the site’s restrooms from the remainder of the restaurant. formally, the design is a reflection of the region’s vernacular architecture with a series of pitched roofs protruding above the hedges at the perimeter of the site.

URA BCW leisure center woumen belgium
the project replaced a horse stable and paddock with a restaurant and kitchen
image © filip dujardin (also main image)

 

 

URA — a brussels-based studio led by yves malysse and kiki verbeeck — divided the external courtyard into several strips realized in different materials. the building’s walls have been made from a neutral grey-colored concrete and fiberboard. internally, wood paneling has been used to instill a sense of warmth and hospitality. meanwhile, deep wooden window frames offer views towards the surrounding landscape.

URA BCW leisure center woumen belgium
the project is contained within four gabled volumes
image © filip dujardin

URA BCW leisure center woumen belgium
wood paneling has been used to instill a sense of warmth and hospitality
image © filip dujardin

URA BCW leisure center woumen belgium
a series of pitched roofs protrude above the hedges at the perimeter of the site
image © filip dujardin

URA BCW leisure center woumen belgium
the entire complex is articulated around an external courtyard
image © filip dujardin

URA BCW leisure center woumen belgium
a scale model indicating the layout of the venue
image courtesy of URA

 

 

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URA BCW leisure centre woumen belgium yves malysse kiki verbeeck designboom
 
URA BCW leisure centre woumen belgium yves malysse kiki verbeeck designboom
 
URA BCW leisure centre woumen belgium yves malysse kiki verbeeck designboom
 
URA BCW leisure centre woumen belgium yves malysse kiki verbeeck designboom
 

 

project info:

 

name: BCW leisure center
head designers: URA — yves malysse kiki verbeeck
surface: 940 sqm / 10,118 sqf
location: woumen, belgium
dates: 2014 (competition) – 2016 (completion)
client: bloso
contractor: verstraete bouw
photography: filip dujardin

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