A coworking with a garden

If you stay at M127 Coworking on a nice day, you can also enjoy the garden between the building and the church. This was once different: before, there was only a narrow passage from the brick road to a small parking lot. The idea for a garden only arose when an extension of the church was demolished. This intervention not only provided additional space, but also a strip of full ground.

"Full ground is indispensable for plants and trees to take root," explains architect Chris Poulissen. "Our own site lacked that: because of the parking garage underneath, the subsoil was made up entirely of concrete. By removing the church building, a new layout became possible. Three former interior doors of the church became exterior doors, creating a direct connection between the church and the garden. This also allowed the garden to act as an outdoor space for the church year-round.

We also set up a collaboration with Music Academy, our neighbor on the other side. By making openings in the dividing wall, we created a connection between their playground and our garden. This allows the music academy to use the garden for school activities and events such as open house days or Christmas celebrations."

A garden for everyone
The garden is more than a private project; it has become a meeting place for the entire neighborhood. Throughout the year, the garden is accessible to anyone looking for a moment of tranquility, both inside and outside office hours. This makes the garden a neighborhood garden that invites relaxation and connection.

Sustainable garden in full development
The garden is designed in compartments - also called garden rooms - each with its own character and planting. The further you walk into the garden, the more it slopes away from the Mechelsesteenweg.

Chris Poulissen: "When selecting plants, we paid extra attention to biodiversity and sustainability. Together with some biologists, we composed a mix that not only provides year-round greenery, but also creates food and hiding places for various animal species. Nesting boxes, insect hotels and strategically chosen flora support rich wildlife, from birds to butterflies and bees. Although the garden is still young, we believe it will become a place of inspiration and tranquility in the future."