Two housing projects won big today in the 2017 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award competition. Out of five finalists, DeFlatKleiburg in Amsterdam by NL Architects and XVW architectuur won the main Mies van der Rohe Award. The 2017 Emerging Architect prize went to Brussels-based practice MSA/V+ for the NAVEZ social housing project. 

DeFlatKleiburg is the first renovation project of an existing building to receive the main prize. The colossal megablock is 11 stories tall and 400 meters long, and comprises 500 customizable apartments. First built in the 1960s as part of city planner Siegfried Nassuth's masterplan, the Kleiburg eventually became dilapidated and was at risk for demolition. Protests in recent years prompted a competition seeking the most economically feasible solution to save the structure.

Photo © Marcel van der Burg.

Dutch firms NL Architects and XVW architectuur won the competition with their proposal to renovate the existing building into a “Klusflat”, a DIY concept that lets residents customize the apartments by themselves. The architects focused on renovating the main-structure elevators, galleries, and installations, while leaving the apartments unfinished and unfurnished.

Photo © Stijn Spoelstra + XVW architectuur.

Photo © Stijn Spoelstra.

The renovation offers flexibility in internal planning, and creates a new edge to the street and the landscape. At €1,200 per square meter, the project proposes new forms of affordable housing, including fully subsidized renting, shared ownership, and rent-purchase schemes. 

Photos © Marcel van der Burg.

The 2017 Emerging Architect prize went to MSA/V+ for NAVEZ, which comprises five flats in a small corner at the northern entrance of Brussels.

Photos © Serge Brison.

The housing project fulfills local authorities' ambitions to build a new landmark at the city entrance while also providing high-quality apartments for large families in need. When visiting the project, the Mies van der Rohe jury noted MSA/V+'s meticulous attention to integrating the landmark building with the surrounding neighborhood. 

Photos © Serge Brison.

They also commended the high-quality design of the units, which provide natural light, outdoor spaces, engaging views, and unique spatial experiences in common and private areas. The passive building includes a super-insulated envelope, soundproofing, triple glazing, and balanced ventilation.

The project also involved a thorough participative process to establish dialogue with inhabitants and different administrations to explain, develop, and amend urban and architectural issues.

Photos © Serge Brison.

The awards ceremony will take place at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona on May 26.