Stekke + fraas’ Brutopia brings idyllic communal living to Brussels

Brutopia is a sprawling role model of cohousing that combines sustainable residential living with urban gardening, business spaces and a service center in Brussels, Belgium.

Designed by stekke + fraas, the complex embraces diversity, and seeks to bring together residents of varying ages, social standing and occupation. Through shared spaces and amenities, Brutopia seeks to encourage enriched social experiences and connections in the thick of an urban landscape.

Brutopia’s footprint is made up of two buildings, set around a large community garden for residents to enjoy. Stekke + fraas designed twenty nine energy-efficient apartments, with twenty seven as passive housing (seven of those are zero energy projects), and two consuming very low energy. The entire complex benefits from a large scale rainwater harvesting system and roof top solar panels, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables grown in the shared garden. Shared laundry and a large meeting or living space provide for conveniences with keeping costs low in the expensive capital city.

Brutopia’s residents come from different economic backgrounds. Each was afforded the opportunity to live there by personalizing their units to their budget, with each unit starting at a comfortably-priced basic shell. During the construction process, the inhabitants were also called upon to assist with outfitting their own interiors.

The complex is an urban solution to increasing prices in a capital city, providing a neighborhood feel and much needed amenities.

 

Stekke + fraas designed twenty-nine energy efficient apartments, with twenty-seven as passive housing (seven of those are zero energy projects), and two consuming very low energy.

 

Brutopia interior.

 

Shared laundry and a large meeting and living space also enhance convenience with keeping costs low in the expensive capital city.

 

Brutopia’s residents come from different economic backgrounds.

 

Each resident was afforded the opportunity to live there by personalizing their units to their budget, with each unit starting at a comfortable basic shell.