Since 1981, De Lier vzw has been offering support to adults with an intellectual disability in Lier. 34 adults are housed in four small-scale housing projects, spread over the city centre of Lier. 33 others live independently, but rely on mobile/ambulatory operations or join group activities and/or meals. De Lier strives for the greatest possible freedom for every client. Structures are adapted to the individual and not the other way around. Domesticity is central to this. With a view to integration into the living environment and based on the demand of each client, the non-profit organization works together with local partners in the field of work, leisure, volunteering, health, etc. Care is always tailor-made and flexible.

One of the four existing houses is in urgent need of renovation. The works are so far-reaching that the residents cannot stay on site. Finding suitable temporary housing also seems impossible. That is why a new building has been purchased on the southern edge of the city center, opposite the church on the Berlaarsesteenweg and along the R16. Here, De Lier wants to realize a new home for eleven residents with an intellectual disability, where a supervisor is present 24/24 and 7/7.

The existing villa from the beginning of the 20th century is too small: an extension of approximately 400 m2 is necessary. The city of Lier has confirmed by e-mail that an extension with a third floor and/or a volume in the garden are possible. In the new housing project, the residents and a supervisor will have their own room or studio with sanitary facilities. They must also be able to use a common dining and living space.

De Lier wishes to integrate the eclectic villa with its intrinsic characteristics as much as possible into the new residential project. The architects are asked to thoroughly evaluate which building parts are eligible for preservation. When expanding in the garden, De Lier asks to take into account the noise pollution from the adjacent ring road. The private garden zone is preferably a compact central resting place for all residents and visitors. The front garden strip is conceived as a safe transition zone between the street and the house.

In order to organize coexistence as optimally as possible, De Lier will have an anthropological study carried out by Ruth Soenen prior to the architectural assignment. She will ask residents and staff about their everyday experiences through interviews and participatory observation. After this preliminary study, she remains in dialogue with the design team. During the design process, the built-up socio-spatial insights must be structurally and finely translated into the design. It is important for De Lier to involve the anthropologist in this phase as well.

For the renovation and expansion of the villa along the Berlaarsesteenweg, vzw De Lier is looking for a design team for the complete study and implementation of a residential project with nine rooms (including sanitary cell), two studios for people with disabilities, a guidance room and the collective living, dining and outdoor areas. The proposed construction budget and the structural and programmatic requirements of VIPA should not be forgotten.

Since 1981, De Lier vzw has been offering support to adults with an intellectual disability in Lier. 34 adults are housed in four small-scale housing projects, spread over the city centre of Lier. 33 others live independently, but rely on mobile/ambulatory operations or join group activities and/or meals. De Lier strives for the greatest possible freedom for every client. Structures are adapted to the individual and not the other way around. Domesticity is central to this. With a view to integration into the living environment and based on the demand of each client, the non-profit organization works together with local partners in the field of work, leisure, volunteering, health, etc. Care is always tailor-made and flexible.

One of the four existing houses is in urgent need of renovation. The works are so far-reaching that the residents cannot stay on site. Finding suitable temporary housing also seems impossible. That is why a new building has been purchased on the southern edge of the city center, opposite the church on the Berlaarsesteenweg and along the R16. Here, De Lier wants to realize a new home for eleven residents with an intellectual disability, where a supervisor is present 24/24 and 7/7.

The existing villa from the beginning of the 20th century is too small: an extension of approximately 400 m2 is necessary. The city of Lier has confirmed by e-mail that an extension with a third floor and/or a volume in the garden are possible. In the new housing project, the residents and a supervisor will have their own room or studio with sanitary facilities. They must also be able to use a common dining and living space.

De Lier wishes to integrate the eclectic villa with its intrinsic characteristics as much as possible into the new residential project. The architects are asked to thoroughly evaluate which building parts are eligible for preservation. When expanding in the garden, De Lier asks to take into account the noise pollution from the adjacent ring road. The private garden zone is preferably a compact central resting place for all residents and visitors. The front garden strip is conceived as a safe transition zone between the street and the house.

In order to organize coexistence as optimally as possible, De Lier will have an anthropological study carried out by Ruth Soenen prior to the architectural assignment. She will ask residents and staff about their everyday experiences through interviews and participatory observation. After this preliminary study, she remains in dialogue with the design team. During the design process, the built-up socio-spatial insights must be structurally and finely translated into the design. It is important for De Lier to involve the anthropologist in this phase as well.

For the renovation and expansion of the villa along the Berlaarsesteenweg, vzw De Lier is looking for a design team for the complete study and implementation of a residential project with nine rooms (including sanitary cell), two studios for people with disabilities, a guidance room and the collective living, dining and outdoor areas. The proposed construction budget and the structural and programmatic requirements of VIPA should not be forgotten.