The Hannibal Advertising office, designed by ROHM architects, stands as a testament to heritage preservation and modern functionality in Roeselare, Belgium. Situated on the edge of the port, this building pays homage to the historic summer garden that once graced the site, while offering contemporary office spaces for creative endeavors.

Historic Preservation

The site’s historic summer garden, with its wild character, served as the inspiration for the design. ROHM architects preserved and enhanced this forgotten gem by planting additional trees to create a sheltered environment for various activities, including petanque, hammocks, live music, and conferences.

Architectural Concept

Challenged by the need to accommodate a sizable building program and parking spaces within the walled garden atmosphere, the architects opted for a compact, three-story structure. This approach allowed them to maintain all existing trees, provide ample parking, and preserve the iconic garden wall while balancing the building’s footprint.

User Experience

The ground floor of the building houses communal areas such as a lunchroom, studio, and meeting rooms. The lunchroom, designed as a bar, doubles as an informal meeting space, fostering creativity and collaboration. The upper floors offer office space for 32 people, meeting facilities, and quiet workspaces, with a visual connection between floors and stunning views of the city skyline.

Architectural Techniques

To minimize energy consumption and maximize comfort, the building is designed to be as compact as possible, benefiting from the shade of trees on the western orientation. The end facades are kept nearly blind to reduce heat load, while a ventilation system ensures ample fresh air circulation. Concrete core activation allows for efficient climate control, contributing to the building’s sustainability.

Conclusion

The Hannibal Advertising office building exemplifies a harmonious blend of heritage preservation, modern architecture, and sustainable design principles. By seamlessly integrating contemporary office spaces with the historic summer garden, ROHM architects have created a unique environment that honors the past while embracing the future of creative workspaces in Roeselare, Belgium.