In the woods of Kasterlee, {define} gathers nine artist residences into one circular pavilion

MASEREEL Artist Residences by {define} architecture, a circular timber and steel pavilion

On the wooded grounds of the Frans Masereel Centre in Kasterlee, Belgium, MASEREEL Artist Residences rethinks how individual artistic practice and collective living fit together. {define} architecture, working with partner FRANTZEN et al architecten, has brought nine artist residences for up to 26 people into one shared pavilion.

In practice, the building replaces ageing pavilion lodging for artists, researchers and students. It also serves as a pilot project within the European Green Deal: Circular Construction.

MASEREEL Artist Residences among the trees in Kasterlee — Photo: Luc Roymans

Circular pavilion in the wooded site — Image: Robby Vandenhouwe

Aerial view of the circular residence building — Credit: Luc Roymans

Collectivity without losing autonomy

From the outset, MASEREEL Artist Residences starts from a simple question: how can architecture encourage collectivity without taking away individual autonomy?

Previously, the residences were separate pavilions scattered across the site. They offered privacy and independence, yet few chances for spontaneous encounters.

Communal kitchen of the artist residences — Image: Robby Vandenhouwe

In contrast, the new pavilion arranges private living and working spaces around a shared central core. Communal facilities, circulation and outdoor terraces create room for exchange, while residents can still retreat when they need concentration or solitude. Rather than prescribing a way of living, the architecture sets up a framework where both experiences can exist side by side.

Shared spaces and landscape path seen from above — Photo: Luc Roymans

A ring in the forest

Above all, the circular geometry gives MASEREEL Artist Residences a clear identity among the trees. Its compact plan keeps the accommodation together and close to the surrounding forest.

MASEREEL Artist Residences glowing at dusk — Photo: Robby Vandenhouwe

At the same time, terraces and external circulation extend daily life outward, so private rooms, shared outdoor space and the woods flow into one another. The ring also responds to its setting through passive shading. In turn, the nearby trees shape the experience of living and working there. Meanwhile, one of the original A-frame pavilions remains on site and keeps a link to its history.

Terraces wrapping the circular facade — Credit: Robby Vandenhouwe

A hybrid, circular structure

Structurally, a central cross-laminated timber (CLT) core and three concentric steel rings form a hybrid structure that defines both the plan and the expression of the pavilion. Because the partitions carry no load, the rooms can adapt over time.

Moreover, demountable connections and a clear separation of building parts allow future transformation and material recovery. Likewise, biobased materials sit alongside reused elements, including slates and paving stones reclaimed from the existing site. Instead of adding sustainability as a technical layer, the project builds efficiency, adaptability and reuse into its architecture.

Steel ring structure and external stairs — Credit: Robby Vandenhouwe

Timber deck and steel stair of the terraces — Photo: Robby Vandenhouwe

Green steel stair within the concentric rings — Image: Robby Vandenhouwe

Stair detail in the hybrid structure — Image: Robby Vandenhouwe

Finally, passive measures, such as shading and the close bond with the forest, support comfort while limiting the need for technical systems.

Artist residence room with timber finishes — Credit: Luc Roymans

Room interior with sliding doors to the forest — Image: Robby Vandenhouwe

Private room opening onto the terrace — Photo: Robby Vandenhouwe

A place for solitude and community

In the end, MASEREEL Artist Residences brings together two goals: an environment that supports artistic exchange, and an adaptable building with a lower environmental impact. By combining private rooms with shared spaces, it recasts the artist residency as a setting for both solitude and community, where each resident decides how close to stay to the group. For another adaptable timber structure, see the TAC! 2026 pavilions.

Drawings

Site plan of MASEREEL Artist Residences — Site plan

Ground floor plan of the circular pavilion — Ground floor plan

First floor plan of the residences — First floor plan

Second floor plan of the residences — Second floor plan

Third level plan of the pavilion — Top level plan

Elevation of MASEREEL Artist Residences — Elevation

Axonometric drawing of the hybrid structure — Axonometric

Project Credits

Project: MASEREEL Artist Residences (Kunstenaarsverblijven MASEREEL)
Location: Kasterlee, Belgium
Client: Flemish Government, Department of Culture, Youth, Sports and Media
Architecture: {define} architecture / @studioudefine
Partner architecture: FRANTZEN et al architecten
Landscape: Land9 (Aldrik Heirman)
Structural engineering: Denkbar
Technical engineering: Tech3
Acoustics: Soniq
Energy management and safety: Realed by studibo
Programme: 9 artist residences for up to 26 occupants
Gross building area: 828 m²
Landscape redesign: 2,260 m²
Completion: May 2026
Photography: Robby Vandenhouwe, Luc Roymans