Hasselt(The Brussels Morning Newspaper): The Herkenrode Barracks in Hasselt are being renovated into apartments while preserving their historical charm, blending modern living with careful restoration of the old refuge house and stables.
The old refuge house in Hasselt which was a safe place for the sisters of Herkenrode Abbey in the 16th century is now the UHasselt rectorate. Over time it changed its purpose. In the 19th century it became a barracks and they even built horse stables there. They’re turning the old barracks and stables make it fit modern living needs. They’re changing it to blend history with modern living.
How is Kolmont/Vestio preserving history while renovating the Herkenrode Barracks?
Michel Verhoeven from Kolmont/Vestio says they’re being careful with the project because it’s close to a protected monument. The construction is tricky because they’re fixing up old buildings and putting in new ones. They have to plan everything carefully so they don’t mess up the historical monument nearby. They’re building a new office next to the horse stables. They have to make sure It fits in with the old stuff while still being useful for today. It’s all about mixing new things with the old history carefully.
Michel Verhoeven mentioned they’re keeping the buildings’ white look. They’re going to take off the old paint and put on new lime paint to make them look fresh but still old-fashioned. This way they’re keeping the historical style of the buildings intact. They’re planning to build a new building above an alley near the horse stables using a special technique with specific bricks and mortar to create a similar effect. The renovation of the Herkenrode barracks is a tough job for Kolmont/Vestio. They’ll add new windows and terraces while keeping the building’s view in mind. Some facade elements will come back around the windows. Verhoeven says they did a lot of research because it’s an old building.
