De Korenbloem is a pilot care project that explores new models of collective living for individuals with early-onset dementia, stroke-related disabilities, and somatic symptom disorder. It seamlessly integrates additional welfare and neighbourhood services within an ensemble of new and existing buildings on the outskirts of Kortrijk.
The project aims to foster a more integrated relationship between its vulnerable residents and society. A crucial method to ease dementia is to strengthen the connection with objects, routines, and surroundings—a process achieved by simplifying the resident’s environment into 'smaller worlds'. Each apartment explores spatial configurations that allow residents to cohabit according to their individual needs, offering a variety of spaces that residents can claim as their own 'small world'. The traditional concept of ‘home’ as a single place has been transformed into a concept where ‘home’ becomes a network of ‘small worlds’, combining the intimacy of co-living with the convenience of communal care and neighbourhood facilities.
The proximity of the new buildings to the existing villa inspired the façade design, featuring balconies, canopies, and garden rooms to create an intermediate scale between the privacy of the residence and the urban landscape. Slender columns create a rhythmic façade along the new route to the park. Over time, specially chosen plants will climb the structure, forming a lush green frame. Echoing the villa's crafted details, the new building’s windows are framed, and its walls are finished in stucco with a fine vertical motif to add depth.
