Cadix A4-A5
Antwerp, BE / 2025
A4: BULK Architecten - General Architecture (SW)
A5: BULK Architecten - Bovenbouw Architectuur - Sergison Bates Architects (UK)
In Antwerp, an extraordinary neighbourhoud is emerging through the last couple of years. The northern part of the city has been part of harbouring activities for ages. Due to scaling the size of shipping and everything around it, the port is growing terrain closer to the sea. Because of this expansion drift, the city is able to reclaim zones that have been a part of this particular world at sea.
This makes this quarter one with historical value and very specific urban conditions. For decades, planning and work have been underway on ‘Stad aan de Stroom (the City at the River), emphasizing the importance of the presence of all water bodies around. The Cadix isle builds on the ancient tradition of sturdy warehouses. On the western quay, a gentle giant is rising. With a high, but qualitative density and attention for family friendly design elements, this building block blends seamlessly on this historic plot. It shows as a set of complementary ‘stapelhuizen’ (which means as much as warehouse or ‘stacked houses’).
Gentle Giants.
Family picture.
Palazzo Antverpia.
Mile high.
Impressive neighbours.
Habitable plinth.
Eating from the floor.
Koen Van Bockstal (Bulk) giving a tour to the city's services department.
Twisted turn.
Obtused living.
Double or nothing.
Hide and seek.
Gentle giant.
Free floors.
Every beginning has a start.
Towering up.
Trees touch.
Enfiladed.
Yellowy sands.

