From bubbles to clouds in 18 months

Within just 18 months, the former Coca-Cola production plant has been transformed into an administrative and service center with a large recreational park. Spanish architect Carlos Arroyo was responsible for the design of the sky-blue building that makes a strong impression with the interior cloud-like bubble structures.

Summary of the speech by Mayor Luc Vanparys at the official opening of the building

“When Coca-Cola announced it would leave Oostkamp in late 2005, this was considered to be a major setback to the community,” said Mayor Luc Vanparys during his speech at the official opening of the building. “Council unanimously decided to purchase the 41,000 square-meter site in 2006 to accommodate all municipal services. Spanish architect Carlos Arroyo’s concept for the new site was very creative, original and durable and was also close to the set target, and with some adaptation was built at a cost of EUR6.5 million.”

“The strong and durable concept is a work of art: shining and impressive. From the beginning there was great interest in architecture circles. In 2011 the concept even won the Silver prize for Europe in the Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction.”

“We are the first municipality in Flanders to accommodate municipal and public welfare services in one building. Together, the services have a new location, a new logo, and a new website – with the aim of improving accessibility,” said the mayor. “Bike paths overlooking the workshops connect the civic center with schools and the shopping mall. Green construction and artworks decorate the park enhancing the beauty of this new facility. We are convinced that this building and this site will become a community meeting place. The entire site, building and ingenious landscaping offer many possibilities. It is a home for our people,” said Luc Vanparys.

Source: Brugsch Handelsblad – June 22, 2012

Project background

The aim of this project, initiated by the city of Oostkamp, 7km south of Brugge, is to regenerate a former Coca-Cola factory. The 4ha site was transformed into a new City Hall and Civic Center for the municipality with a population of 22,000. The key idea of the proposed scheme was not only to recycle the main construction and materials but also to reuse the space itself and its technical infrastructure.

The coating of the building was maintained and selectively gashed for illumination. Distinctive interiors made of glass reinforced gypsum (GRG) and recycled paper complement the layout of modular clusters that may be easily arranged. The GRG bubbles are 7mm thin, weigh only 7kg/sq m and are built in several layers on projected inflatable formwork, including a final layer of recycled paper for sound control and thermal insulation.