RAAMWERK is a design collective led by Gijs De Cock and Freek Dendooven.

Since its establishment, RAAMWERK works on a portfolio of diverse projects in various sizes. The purpose is to create an empathic architecture that is characterized by critical social, programmatic and economic research.

RAAMWERK wants to achieve a certain generosity within the architectural process - the act of building - finally resulting in spaces that can be claimed by its users.


Partners: Gijs De Cock (Sint-Niklaas, 1987), Freek Dendooven (Kortrijk, 1987)

Collaborators: Ron Barten, Astrid Christiaens, Toon Van de Voorde, Cis Vanlandschoot, Karel Verdonck

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Kanegem l

 

Youth facilities Location: Kanegem Year: 2018 - 2024 Team: Gijs De Cock, Freek Dendooven, Ruben Castro icw Robuust ao & Atelier Arne Deruyter Pictures: Stijn Bollaert Status: Built Text

Kanegem l

Youth facilities Location: Kanegem Year: 2018 - 2024 Team: Gijs De Cock, Freek Dendooven, Ruben Castro icw Robuust ao & Atelier Arne Deruyter Pictures: Stijn Bollaert Status: Built Text
RW KANE 0297 Stijn Bollaert SR RW KANE 0370 Stijn Bollaert SR RW KANE 0308 Stijn Bollaert SR RW KANE 0016 Stijn Bollaert SR RW KANE 0364 Stijn Bollaert SR RW KANE 0357 Stijn Bollaert SR

The masterplan for this project aims to create a cohesive space that serves the entire community, blending both historical and modern elements. The design brings together two distinct buildings within a shared green space, creating a unified environment where people can gather, relax, and engage in various activities.

The historic neo-Gothic parish hall is at the heart of the project, carefully renovated to preserve its architectural charm while making it functional for contemporary use. Stripped of later additions and extensions, the building is now repurposed as a youth center, providing a vibrant and flexible space for local young people.

The interior has been redesigned to include open, well-lit rooms with direct access to the outdoor play area. Simple wooden elements have been added to make the space more functional, ensuring it meets the needs of its users without compromising the building’s historic character.

A key feature of the renovation is the wooden walkway attached to the facade, which not only functions as a circulation path but also creates a playful element, inviting interaction with the green space around it. This approach strikes a balance between respecting the past and meeting the present-day needs of the community.