Assistive housing may also look young

That Senior Homes chose to erect the complex on a site in Ten Ede will surprise few. The village is part of Wetteren and is located at a stone's throw from Heusden, Laarne and Ghent, which is particularly interesting for the active senior citizen. Especially for people who like to go on adventures, but afterwards like to come home to an oasis of tranquility.

For the active 65-plus who would like to spend their last phase of life in quality, comfort and privacy, Residence Ten Ede is a perfect base.

Dynamic whole

Residence Ten Ede resolutely breaks with the traditional image associated with residential care centers. The complex looks extremely modern, accessible and future-oriented. Pol Lauwers, project director of MBG, which acted as main contractor: "The architect did not want a mastodon and therefore opted for a rhythmic whole with three volumes, connected via the ground floor. Because the height varies from one to four building levels and because of the use of both indoor and outdoor terraces, the whole is extremely dynamic. This appearance is enhanced by the white facade plastering, which alternates with a preserved wood cladding in Thermo Ayous. The large glass areas with black aluminum joinery, white balustrades and glass parapets complete the picture. Nevertheless, there is another icing on the cake: in fact, the building has a very green character thanks to the tasteful planting."

The dynamic look is enhanced by the white façade plaster, which is interspersed with a preserved wood cladding in Thermo Ayous.

Comfort and luxury trump

The 45 assisted living apartments, with surface areas ranging from 61.75 to 93.45 m², each have a full kitchen and bathroom, living space, storage room and one or two bedrooms. Says Lauwers, "Everything is perfectly tailored to the wheelchair user, even the terraces. Luxury and comfort are central to this residence. For example, it also houses a beautiful restaurant, a hairdressing salon, a manicure and pedicure salon, a physiotherapist, a gym and a wellness area with massage facilities and a jacuzzi. The air conditioning facilities, solar control glass windows that prevent overheating and underfloor heating also contribute to the comfort."

The 45 assisted living apartments each have a full kitchen and bathroom.

Assistive housing of the highest level

The complex design made Hof Ten Ede a challenging project. Nevertheless, it was right up the alley of MBG, one of the largest construction companies in Flanders, which belongs to the listed CFE group. "Our task was to deliver a turnkey project that took into account the varying standards regarding approved assisted living and accessibility," Lauwers says. "We had to combine this with a high-quality finish and the integration of new techniques that would improve the ease of use for both residents and operator. With the expertise and knowledge we have in-house, we were already able to overcome many challenges. We also worked with external specialists to bring specific sub-aspects of the project to a successful conclusion. And the result is impressive. Residence Ten Ede is a new reference in the market of approved assisted living homes!"