_korāju

コラージュ _collage

Cohousing in V-Tex as a vibrant collage, where different elements come together to form a harmonious whole. The design combines various materials and textures – concrete as a solid structure, raw terracotta highlighting communal areas, and dark blue charred wood for private spaces. Each material tells its own story and serves a unique purpose within the whole.

Every space is carefully positioned to meet the needs and habits of the residents. The building’s volumes and heights merge like the diverse pieces of a larger composition. Just like in a collage, these spaces can be flexibly adapted and rearranged according to the needs of the community. In this way, ‘Korāju’ becomes not just a place to live, but a dynamic design that reflects the diversity and connectedness of its residents.

Surroundings of the Site

The V-Tex site in Kortrijk is a historic location that once housed several factories, including the V-Tex textile factory, which still stands today in a raw, industrial state. In this design, the remaining factory serves as a shell for the cohousing project. This transformation preserves the industrial character of the past while offering a sense of community for both residents and passersby.

The area surrounding the V-Tex site is characterized by a mix of residential homes and greenery. The land around the building is rich in nature, with walking paths, trees, and small ponds, making it a pleasant and livable environment.

The Design

This bachelor project presents a cohousing development within the former V-Tex textile factory, located in Kortrijk. The project includes nine residential units, two of which are intended for families with children. Additionally, a guest room is available for visitors.

A unique feature of this design is the communal area, situated five meters above ground level, which can be flexibly arranged based on the needs and preferences of the residents. This shared space is accessible through the recognizable tower, equipped with both an elevator and a staircase. Each private unit also has its own entrance, ensuring privacy for every resident.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the legibility of the project. Terracotta tiles are used to highlight the communal areas, while blue charred wood marks the private living spaces. Concrete serves as the main structural element throughout the design.

There is also a strong focus on outdoor space, both for residents and for visitors to the site. A large sunken area, a fire pit, and an outdoor kitchen are included, all designed for multifunctional use — think film nights, large barbecues, or a play area for children. These features make the cohousing project an inviting and inclusive place, situated close to the historic shell of the old factory.

The design aims to strike a harmonious balance between community and privacy, functionality and aesthetics, while also respecting and revitalizing the industrial character of the V-Tex factory.

A cohousing project within the shell of the old V-Tex site. It includes nine private dwellings, one guest room for visitors, a shared living and cooking area, laundry room, storage space, spacious outdoor facilities, and flexible-use areas.

In this cohousing project — where past and future go hand in hand — the old factory is brought back to life as a vibrant community where people come together, share, and find peace.

Entering

The terracotta tower serves as the “gateway” to the cohousing project. Residents and visitors can choose between taking the elevator or the stairs to reach the upper levels. The tower acts as a connecting and recognizable element — the vibrant heart of the community.

The concrete bridge offers an architectural promenade along the concrete grid, where old and new merge in harmony. This leads to the communal space on the first level, designed for relaxation, shared cooking, working or studying together, or enjoying a movie night as a group.

コラージュ_Korāju

In the design, height differences are used to support various functions and create a dynamic living environment. One example of this can be seen in the kitchen, where the entire area is elevated by 30 centimeters. This raised platform serves multiple purposes.

First, the raised level turns the kitchen counter into a kind of podium, with one side of the counter intended for cooking and the other at perfect seating height. This creates a dynamic and ergonomic workspace where residents can cook comfortably while staying connected to the surrounding space.

Additionally, the elevated area extends on one side into a small office, making it a multifunctional space that can be used for work or study. On the other side, around the patio, the raised level forms a natural sitting area that invites relaxation and social interaction.

By playing with height in this way, the design not only integrates various functions, but also adds a sense of depth and dynamism to the space. The result is an environment that is not only functional, but also aesthetically appealing and engaging to live in.

Living Unit

In this cohousing project, community and individuality come together. With nine private residences and one guest room, it offers a unique and dynamic living environment for people who value connection and shared experiences.

At the heart of ‘Korāju’ lie the shared values of communal living, while also allowing space for personal growth and privacy. Each private unit is designed with attention to diverse living needs, ranging from spacious family homes to compact and cozy dwellings.

Two of the units include dedicated sleeping areas for children, making them ideal for families with young children.

The other units combine smart storage solutions with a thoughtful layout to make the most of every square meter—without compromising on comfort or style.

All images and visual material on this page were created by me as part of my bachelor thesis project. They are protected by copyright and may not be copied, reproduced, or used without my explicit permission.

If you're interested in learning more about this project, feel free to get in touch

— I'm always happy to share more!