Sint-FelixPakhuis

The Antwerp City Archives moved to the monumental 1859 warehouse Sint-FelixPakhuis, completely restored and renovated by Robbrecht en Daem (based in Gent, Belgium) together with Grontmij Vlaanderen. They renovated the whole interior in such a way the internal structure of the building hardly changed and every intervention can be undone. On the ground floor are public functions like library and entrance. The next 4 floors are occupied with archives, kept in 18 separate concrete containers to provide optimum atmosphere and fire-prevention. The attic is completely refurbished and renewed to make fit for a new reading hall, meeting rooms and conference halls. The whole roof had to be replaced by a new wooden roof, appended with 3 glass atriums for more daylight. These glass ‘boxes’ are seen from the nearby dock, the Willemdok. The concept of ‘wood’ was subsequently used throughout the interior, for walls, floors and furniture. All furniture was custom made, designed by Robbrecht en Daem.