In 1938, the Sint-Michielskerk in Westmeerbeek was designated a protected monument. Over the years this fifteenth-century late Gothic church became a ruin, overgrown with ivy and plants. To preserve its history, the Kempens Landschap Foundation and Hulshout municipality decided in 2014 to save it. We designed a plan to maintain the ruin with minimal interventions, preserving its remnants while adding an experiential layer.
Initial studies assessed the stability of the walls and analyzed materials like ironstone and Spanish moss. This research formed the basis for a robust management plan, crucial for securing a heritage grant. Restoration work began in 2020, inspired by English techniques for preserving ruins. The challenge was to complete the work within a year to maintain stability. Ivy removal revealed the church's contours and uncovered centuries-old graves, preserved in the new flooring.
The ruin now serves as a space for small-scale activities like concerts and lectures. The ruin's structure sets the stage for a new identity, blending past and present. Modern Corten steel columns and a new staircase support the historic structure, ensuring its legacy continues.
Bio aNNo is a team of (restoration) architects and interior designers united by the passion for built heritage. Our mission is to make existing buildings futueproof. aNNo distinguishes itself from other firms by its focus on design research. It's not only about the restoration of matter, it's about giving the building a new place in its social context and society. The architectural design starts from the analysis of the existing. aNNo assumes a constructive yet critical attitude towards the heritage value. We look for the memory of the place. We don't use heritage as a label but as a quality.
Other prizes 2017: Publica Awards; project ‘Batterij Aachen’ (nomination) 2019: BIS Architectuurwedstrijd; project ‘Hof ter Beemt’ (laureate) 2019: Architectuurprijs Leuven; project ‘Hoekhuis O’ (nomination) 2019: Onroerend erfgoedprijs (heritage award); project ‘Hof ter Beemt’ (laureate) 2020: DEZEEN Awards; project ‘Batterij Aachen’ longlisted for small building award 2020: Built environment Cabe Award; project ‘Douaneloods Essen’ (laureate) 2022: Belgian Building Award: project ‘Douaneloods Essen’ (nomination) 2022: European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards; project ‘Batterij Aachen’ (laureate)
