Kanaal, an industrial complex from around 1870, situated on the banks of the Albert canal, will become a city in the country. Kanaal was designed together with a team of top Belgian architects Stéphane Beel, Bogdan & Van Broeck, Coussée & Goris and the French landscape architect Michel Desvigne. The project will be further developed and managed by Vervoordt r.e., a divison of the Axel Vervoordt C
ompany. Ninety eight apartments and lofts, measuring between 120 and 400 square meter, will occupy the existing buildings as well as new additions alongside the water, whereby the original character of the historical site will be strongly accentuated and revived. The presence of an artisanal bakery and fresh-market will give Kanaal the ambiance of an enchanting village while a restaurant, a wellness center, a medical practice, an extended concierge service with child care will fulfill the basic needs of its inhabitants. There will also be spaces available for offices, artist’s studios and an atelier to create the right balance between work and housing. Kanaal aims to attract art lovers susceptible to the deep beauty offered by the contrast between the industrial heritage and the contemporary renovations, by the serenity of nature and water, and by the culture and aesthetics which are present. An elaborate website www.kanaal.be contains information on the philosophy, the architecture and the functions at Kanaal. At this point, floor plans and images can be consulted by contacting Vervoordt r.e.
