vincent callebaut to transform historic building in luxembourg with sculptural 'solar dome'

architect vincent callebaut has won an international competition to transform a historic building in luxembourg city. the planned renovation of ‘hôtel des postes’, which was completed in 1910 by architect sosthène weis, involves the insertion of a waterproof and airtight solar dome that conforms to the contours of the existing inner courtyard. conceived as a ‘jewel nestled in a stone vessel’, this centerpiece helps articulate a program that includes residences, co-working space, and retail and restaurant outlets.

all images courtesy of vincent callebaut architectures

the transformed ‘hôtel des postes’ features a subterranean post office that can be accessed using a glass staircase. above, at ground level, a brewery is joined by a restaurant that spills out onto the adjacent square. meanwhile, on the mezzanine and second floor, a vast retail space enhances views of the courtyard’s restored façades. the second, third, fourth, and fifth floors contain co-working space, with a degree of housing also included at the request of the city. finally, the sixth floor features the kitchen-garden and a series of rooftop terraces.

vincent callebaut architectures won the international competition in 2016. since then, the design team has been in discussion with local authorities regarding the project’s programming. in june 2017, the city of luxembourg set the dome’s maximum height at 35.5 meters, instead of the initial 40 meters. read more about the project on vincent callebaut’s website.

project info:

status: first prize winner of the international competition
surface area: 11,000 sqm
program: post-store, housing, co-working, retail, brewery, restaurant, kitchen-garden and rooftop
client: post luxembourg
assistant to the contracting authority: pro group international
international mandatory architect: vincent callebaut architectures, paris
international structural, MEP & green engineering: SETEC bâtiment, paris
local architect: steinmetzdemeyer
cost control: schroeder & associates
local structural engineering: aucarré
local MEP engineering: jean schmit engineering
energy advisor: cocert
control office: SECO luxembourg
fire expert: SECO expert SA
operational authorization: lux environment SA
acoustical engineering: SPC acoustics
landscape architect: areal
green wall: jardins de babylone
lighting engineering: ingelux
signage: belleville
real estate expert: inowai