The city of Diest selected B2Ai Architects, West Architectuur and contractor Beneens bouw en interieur for the construction of the new SOK community centre in Deurne. The user-friendly, accessible, and sustainable building is the outcome of an intensive participatory process, engaging clubs, athletes, and locals to understand their needs and aspirations.
The project is part of the redevelopment of the SOK site drawn up by Atelier Romain. The master plan envisions the integration of the community centre with other facilities such as the municipal primary school, after-school childcare, and amenities for the SK Deurne soccer club.
The new community center includes a spacious multipurpose hall, with a kitchen and bar, which can be subdivided into smaller units for meetings. Additionally, storage space is allocated for various clubs. There will be a café with a separate kitchen. The SK Deurne soccer club will have access to a shared canteen, along with changing rooms, sanitary facilities, a first aid room, and storage areas tailored to their needs. Flexibility is key in its design, achieved through the sharing and smart linking of spaces.
The project emphasizes circular construction principles, with a focus on using CLT (cross-laminated timber) for its sustainable qualities. Renewable energy sources and a climate-responsive design further enhance the building’s environmental performance. The building will be constructed according to a fixed typology with a grid of 5 by 5, allowing materials to be modularly assembled and interchangeable with other buildings in the future. Because the building is completely demountable, the materials have a higher residual value.
Construction is anticipated to commence in the fall of 2024, with an estimated completion timeline of eighteen months.
