Unity in diversity

Based on specific qualitative and functional wishes of the users, the municipality of Beek held an architectural competition for the design of the BMV. Many factors were taken into account, including energy consumption, acoustics, hygiene and the relationship scheme of the various users. ARCHITECTENZAAK won this competition with their concept in which they combined all factors into one modern design. Mark Feron, partner and architect at ARCHITECTENZAAK, says: “The building forms a new village center for Spaubeek, where young and old can go for care, education, sports and relaxation. To cleverly cluster these functions but still allow them to retain their own identity, we sought 'unity in diversity.'” The contemporary and seemingly random buildings leaning against each other are inspired by the typical streetscape of Limburg villages. Together, the buildings form a compact complex that allowed for surrounding space for greening, including a park-like flower garden that flows harmoniously into a play forest for elementary school children.

Unique facade shell for uniformity

In order to create unity, the façade shell was constructed in one material. A concrete masonry brick with a mineral top layer was chosen, inspired by the Kunrader limestone, which ARCHITECTENZAAK and MBI developed especially for this project. Kunrader limestone is very characteristic of the region. In fact, the BMV stands in the Geleenbeek valley, against the slope of the Plateau of Schimmert. Feron was keen to reflect the history of the region in the building and went in search of a high-quality, manufacturable and affordable alternative to the scarce Kunrader limestone. “Among other things, MBI has the long-form facade brick GeoStylistix in its range, which we were very charmed by,” Feron says. “Could they perhaps create a variant of this stone, based on the material and color of the Kunrader stone?” MBI used several samples in its lab to develop the right shade for the top layer of the GeoStylistix. This resulted in a unique color: Limestone Yellow. In order to match the look of the historic Kunrader stone, the masonry bricks are executed in various nuanced shades, from light to dark beige to white-yellow and with gray and dark shades. In addition, the bricks are executed in various sizes. Recently, a first villa was also executed in this color!