Heilig-Sacramentskerk

Heilig-Sacramentskerk stands in Groenenhoek, a neighbourhood of Berchem in Antwerp. The former parish church combined traditional forms with modern details in René Van Steenbergen’s brick design. Its bell tower stood beside the church, kept below the roof because of nearby Deurne Airport.

The site began with a temporary emergency church, built in 1923 by Norbertines from Averbode Abbey. That structure occupied the corner of Helderstraat and Geluwestraat before the permanent church replaced it in 1960. The redevelopment now brings social housing, a daycare centre, a liturgical space and food distribution together. A public green zone will open the ground level, while private outdoor areas serve the daycare, liturgical space and homes. Living rooms receive light from two sides, and quiet terraces face the greenery or the rear.

The new liturgical space rises vertically, recalling the former bell tower. Reused bricks and blue stone will connect the new buildings with the site’s church history. Visible timber structures and clay plaster add a warm interior character to the new spaces.