dmvA transforms former belgian military sheds into contemporary youth center

Domain De Hoge Rielen revived as contemporary youth center

Architecture studio dmvA transforms a former Cold War military landscape into a youth multifunctional accommodation center in Kasterlee, Belgium. In the middle of Domain De Hoge Rielen, the buildings have been transformed since the 1980s, adopting a lower-profile design compared to the more prominent Western structures. Within this context, the renovation includes Theater and Building 39, as understated volumes reflecting the existing sheds. On the eastern side, the military landscape remains most authentic, with sheds retaining their original shells. A restorative approach to Buildings 27 and 30 preserves their historical integrity. Additionally, in collaboration with OMGEVING the architects create Fire Place B, a proximity area designed for campfires and group activities. The material palette reflects the site’s military heritage featuring textures like fiber cement corrugated sheets, and prefabricated concrete panels.

all images by Stijn Bollaert

dmvA renovates former belgian military storage sheds & camps

Created in the 1960s the site features storage sheds and camps built by the British Army. Today, Domain De Hoge Rielen is a place where multifunctional activities and innovative nature educational initiatives for young people are organized. Key buildings highlight the domain’s gradient, transitioning from expressive architecture in the west to an authentic military landscape in the east. The western side includes prominent structures like the reception building (Erik Wieërs, 2002) and Hostel Wadi (Secchi-Viganó, 2013). The renovations by the Belgian-based architects align with Studio Secchi & Viganó’s 2004 master plan, which divides the domain into natural, military, and educational layers.

sculptural extensions align with the 1980s chimney design

Building 39 by dmvA replaces a deteriorated pavilion with a new group accommodation for 20 sleepers. Drawing inspiration from military architecture, the architects combine contemporary techniques with practical needs. Its facade features prefabricated concrete panels, complemented by wooden exterior joineries. Inside, four bedrooms flank a central living space. Ample windows on the north and south sides enhance connection with nature. Sleeping areas are paired, each equipped with four bunk beds and adjacent accessible sanitary facilities.

the shed that now hosts the Theater interacts with the surroundings and the main road

choosing a selective restoration approach

The Theater building offers a space for events, showcasing Hoge Rielen’s history through diverse masonry styles. The former shed is insulated internally, with wall construction comprising the original masonry, thermal insulation, and acoustic concrete blocks for improved indoor acoustics. The materials create a dual atmosphere: a neutral interior contrasted with a warm, red-brick exterior. Sculptural extensions align with the 1980s chimney design along the main road. Openings in the south façade and the fireplace reinforce this connection.

Building 27, a well-preserved military shed serves as the adventure park’s base. Renovated with a restoration approach, it now includes a grandstand, storage space, and sanitation facilities. dmvA also designed a reversible climbing element connecting the shed to the adventure park, made of yellow steel plates. Building 30, preserved in its original form, acts as a shelter for the adjacent camping area, with minimal interventions and new emergency doors. Finally, Fire Place B, created with OMGEVING landscape architects, transforms the campfire site into a fixed ring with 180 seats, accessible and practical for group activities.

Building 39 replaces a deteriorated pavilion with a new group accommodation space

Fire Place B transforms the campfire site into a fixed ring with 180 seats

the former military shed acts as a shelter for the adjacent camping area

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the history of the Hoge Rielen is visible through various types of masonry

the Theater features a neutral interior contrasted with a warm, red-brick exterior

Building 27, a well-preserved military shed, serves as the adventure park’s base

Building 30 is preserved in its original form

Building 27 now includes a grandstand, storage space, and sanitation facilities

Domain De Hoge Rielen is a place where educational initiatives for young people are organized

project info:

name: Domain Hoge Rielen
location: Kasterlee, Belgium
architect: dmvA | @dmva_architects
photographer: Stijn Bollaert | @stijn_bollaert

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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom