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In Le Bizet, in the province of Hainaut, Wallonia, STARC designed a contemporary residential development of 23 dwellings distributed across three compact volumes set on a shared massive dark-brick base. The programme includes studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with 20 of the 23 units designed to be adaptable for people with reduced mobility, reflecting a genuine commitment to intergenerational living and the long-term needs of residents.

The three buildings are positioned to maximise open space at ground level, freeing up area for shared gardens, play areas, collective terraces and a community vegetable plot. Underground parking removes vehicles from the site entirely, preserving the quality of the outdoor environment and encouraging interaction among residents. All circulation is kept external, with a continuous gallery connecting the three volumes via a single lift and external staircases, reinforcing the social character of the ensemble.

Facing a built environment lacking formal coherence, the architectural approach asserts a resolutely contemporary identity: three white, visually light and compact volumes rest on a substantial dark-brick plinth that establishes a unified built edge, clearly delineates the boundary between public space and private domain, and protects the privacy of ground-floor dwellings. The orientation of living rooms has been carefully considered to ensure optimal natural light in every unit.

The pairing of dark brick and light render integrates harmoniously with the local material palette while affirming an architectural identity that is economical, low-maintenance and durable.

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