Medardus
The Sint Medardus Hoeve in Bertem is an exceptional historic farmstead whose oldest surviving structures date back to the 17th century. The history of the estate, however, reaches much further into the past and is closely linked to the Park Abbey, allowing its origins to be traced back to the 12th century. The farm remained in agricultural use for centuries and, together with its surrounding landscape, was legally protected as a heritage monument in 1982. The site continued to be actively used until 2016.
Despite numerous alterations over the centuries, the heritage value of the complex remains clearly legible today. Its characteristic enclosed courtyard typology, which has shaped the site since the 15th century, continues to define the spatial organisation of the estate. The impressive central courtyard, its strong relationship with the surrounding landscape, and its monumental scale make the Sint Medardus Hoeve one of the most significant heritage landmarks in Bertem.
Since 2022, 61 Defacqz Architects has been leading the restoration and adaptive reuse of this protected heritage site. The project combines a careful restoration of the historic fabric with contemporary architectural interventions that provide the complex with a sustainable future. Each of the four wings is assigned a distinct function within a coherent overall vision: a conference hall, meeting facilities, rental office spaces, and a dental practice. This diverse programme creates a vibrant and economically sustainable destination, ensuring the long-term preservation and continued use of the heritage site.
The project is currently under construction.
In collaboration with Perspectiv Architecten