Hangar d’Amour

Hangar n°1 forms part of Ostend’s historic harbour landscape and is one of the last tangible witnesses to the port’s industrial expansion at the end of the nineteenth century. Together with its associated half-portal crane, the former warehouse forms a valuable industrial heritage ensemble. B-juxta prepared the conservation management plans and technical documentation for the execution of works for both structures, and oversaw the restoration works. The adaptive reuse of Hangar n°1 was developed in collaboration with ZAmpone architectuur.

The interventions focus on preserving the existing structure and industrial character of the building while giving the former warehouse a new, sustainable future. Its new use brings together a diverse programme of workspaces, business activities, culture, leisure and hospitality. The aim is not simply to bring the warehouse back into use, but to create a new sense of activity on this former harbour site.

The spatial organisation accommodates a range of functions within one coherent whole. An open internal street connects the different levels and leads visitors towards a central covered space that can host a variety of activities. Sections of the roof are opened up to bring natural light deep into the building. Connections between the different levels and the public realm improve accessibility while allowing the building’s original industrial scale to be experienced anew.

The restoration of the historic half-portal crane likewise prioritises the preservation of its industrial archaeological value. Due to its poor structural condition, extensive restoration and reconstruction works were required alongside more conservative interventions. The steel structure was carefully dismantled, repaired and reassembled using traditional techniques, including riveting. Throughout the process, the retention of original materials, structural logic and mechanical operation remained central. The crane can still be moved along its tracks and rotated manually.

Through the restoration and adaptive reuse of Hangar n°1, an important part of Ostend’s harbour heritage has been given a new lease of life. The project brings the industrial past into dialogue with a contemporary mixed-use programme, transforming the historic building into an active part of the city once again.