Aldeneik, situated on the border –formed by the Meuse- between Belgium and the Netherlands, can be described as a picturesque village which is separated from the city Maaseik by a main road and industrial boxes. Alongside the large gravel lake "Heerenlaak", we can find the Bosbeek: a stream that at least is as poetic as the Meuse is sung in the anthem of Limburg. Because the Bosbeek can’t compete with the greatness of the gravel lake and river -due to its small volume– it is upgraded to the pivotal figure of the whole project. This stream forms a green link between Aldeneik and Maaseik and can be exploited on tourism but also in terms of healthcare. On the former site of the watermill, the project –a completion of the missing link between the surrounding industry and the small grain size of the village- forms a new engine for the village.
On the bank of the stream some typological houses are implanted. These volumes contain the private rooms associated with the residential groups of seniors and adults with intellectual disabilities. Because both groups can help, support and strengthen each other in various fields, they are brought into contact.
This interaction is triggered by weaving a volume with common functions -such as a living room, reading area…- between the recognizable forms. The end -or beginning?- of this chain is formed by a meeting center. Here, inhabitants of the project and Aldeneik, walkers and cyclists can enjoy each others company as well as they can enjoy the green carpet, rolled out on both sides of the Bosbeek and the project. On the private side the carpet is used as garden where residents can garden, grow vegetables... The public area is designed as a park with different areas for sports and