De Motte
Reconversion of an industrial site with a rich history into a residential project with a total of 27 residential units
In the quiet Prinsenhof neighborhood of Ghent, NU architectuuratelier is transforming a historically rich site into the versatile residential project De Motte. Its name refers to a “motte”: an artificial hill once crowned by a castle. In the Middle Ages, the Prinsenhof consisted of two mottes, encircled by moats. At the start of the 13th century, the Hof ten Walle, residence of the burgrave of Ghent, stood here. Later, it welcomed the Counts of Flanders and the Dukes of Burgundy, and in 1500, Emperor Charles V was born on the site. From the 17th century onwards, the area fell into decay. The moat was filled in, the land subdivided, and industrial buildings such as a sugar refinery, paper mill, soap factory, and later a cotton factory, took their place.
Today’s reconversion reinterprets this historic urban fabric, blending quality, density, and livability through a careful balance of renovation, adaptive reuse, and new construction. The result is a future-oriented urban district that reconnects with its rich past. The masterplan, developed in close dialogue with the neighborhood, centers around a shared green courtyard linking to the garden of the Ongeschoeide Karmelieten. The project creates a fine-grained, livable urban environment, combining family homes, studios, and apartments into 27 units, each with its own outdoor space.
Heritage is at the heart of the design. Four buildings are recognized as built heritage. Renovation efforts preserve key architectural features: the 1915 sawmill boasts striking yellow brickwork and decorative wall anchors, carefully restored to its original form. Existing city houses and a warehouse are meticulously refurbished, while new volumes are integrated respectfully. The dialogue between old and new is guided by proportion, materials, and restraint. Outdated outbuildings give way to light, air, and openness, while an underground garage with bicycle and private storage keeps the surface free for greenery and social interaction. The result is an urban living environment that densifies, connects, and harmoniously blends architecture, heritage, and quality of life.
The collaboration between the developer, the craftsmen and women, and the design and construction team grew from a shared ambition: a commitment to quality, sensitivity to what already exists, and an appreciation for the beauty found in historical layers and the small imperfections that come with them. This shared attitude allows us to understand one another and make thoughtful decisions together. The craftsmen contribute their expertise and precision, ensuring that every detail is executed with care and craftsmanship.
Project highlights include:
- Renovation of two historic city houses
- Conversion of a former warehouse into three residences
- Transformation of a studio and warehouse into around eight high-quality units
- Expansion of a large former townhouse into a multi-family home
- Two new-build multi-family residences
- Underground parking with bicycle storage and private storage units
- client Acasa
- location Ghent
- date 2010-now
- status construction
- engineering office Lime (structural engineering) and SG-E3 bv (building services)
- team NU Armand Eeckels, Kristyna De Schryver, Charlotte Vyncke
