Where building becomes a dialogue between vision and imagination
A conversation with Servaas Vertongen, Gaëlle Spaas and Eline Christiaens of Architecten Vertongen
In the world of architecture and property development, it is about far more than form and function. It is about vision, collaboration, and a shared pursuit of quality. At Fenixco, these are not empty words, but principles that underpin every project. It is precisely for this reason that Architecten Vertongen proved to be a natural partner.
Founded in Ghent by Servaas Vertongen in 2017, the firm has grown into a multidisciplinary team of around thirty architects, designers, and technical specialists. Together, they deliver a wide range of projects, from residential developments to industrial buildings, renovations, and heritage restorations. Today, the practice is led by founder Servaas Vertongen alongside partner Gaëlle Spaas and a strong team of architects and project leaders, including Eline Christiaens, who oversees projects such as Kliniekstraat.
“Every project is different,” says Eline, “but our ambition remains the same: to create architecture that is relevant today and continues to be relevant tomorrow.”
A practice built on collaboration and efficiency
What defines Architecten Vertongen is the combination of in-depth expertise and a highly structured approach.
“We work in specialised teams,” Eline explains. “Our urban planning team first analyses the context, regulations, and opportunities of a site. Once the direction has been established, our project architects and technical assistants take over and guide the project through to execution. This ensures consistency and efficiency throughout the entire process.”
Gaëlle adds: “We have consciously chosen to focus primarily on professional clients. Most of our clients are property developers, investors, or companies seeking long-term quality. Efficiency and client focus are central to our way of working. We believe in long-lasting partnerships, and the fact that many clients continue to return to us is perhaps the strongest confirmation that this approach works.”
Over the years, the practice has also developed complementary areas of expertise, including a dedicated heritage and restoration team and an internal quality board that reviews projects throughout the design process.
“We believe every project benefits from being viewed from multiple perspectives,” says Gaëlle. “By challenging and refining each other’s work, we elevate the final result. That process ultimately leads to stronger and more timeless designs.”
Sustainability as a guiding principle, not a buzzword
At Architecten Vertongen, sustainability is not treated as a separate theme but as a natural starting point.
Servaas explains:
“A design is only truly sustainable if it still demonstrates quality fifty years from now, both technically and aesthetically. That requires thoughtful material choices, but also flexibility within the structure itself. Buildings should be able to evolve alongside their occupants and changing uses. An office building that can be repurposed in the future, or a parking structure that can take on a different function, is what I would call genuinely sustainable.”
For him, sustainability extends far beyond energy performance.
“Energy consumption is only one aspect. We also need to think about water management, land use, mobility, and how we use space more intelligently. Flanders is densely built, which means we must carefully consider what happens both above and below ground.”
Eline agrees:
“Society is evolving rapidly. People live differently, move differently, and work differently. Architecture needs to embrace those changes while continuing to provide quality and a sense of calm. Finding that balance is something we strive for in every project.”
Valeria: a project defined by character and vision
That philosophy came to life in Valeria, the first collaborative project between Architecten Vertongen and Fenixco in Destelbergen.
Looking back, Eline recalls:
“From the very beginning, the partnership with Fenixco felt natural. There was a clear vision regarding quality, finishing standards, and energy efficiency. Heat pumps and advanced ventilation systems may seem commonplace today, but when we started Valeria, they were still relatively progressive. At the same time, we were given the freedom to explore new materials and techniques within a clearly defined framework.”
According to her, the collaboration was exceptionally smooth.
“Fenixco knows exactly what it wants, yet remains open to ideas and innovation. Decisions are made from the perspective of the end user, not from a spreadsheet. That makes all the difference.”
Servaas adds:
“Many developers focus on maximising every square metre. Fenixco focuses on achieving the right balance between quality and context. Valeria is a perfect example. We could easily have created more units, but there was a deliberate decision to prioritise space and living comfort. With an average apartment size of 114 square metres, these homes offer the feeling of a family house while retaining the convenience of apartment living.”
The result is a composition of two volumes that read more like contemporary villas than traditional apartment buildings.
“That scale was essential,” Servaas explains. “We wanted the project to complement its surroundings rather than dominate them. The architecture is rooted in traditional forms, but executed with refined detailing. The result is timeless architecture that does not seek attention, but simply feels right.”
The market responded positively.
“The apartments attracted people who consciously wanted to remain in Destelbergen,” says Eline. “People looking for comfort while staying connected to the community they know and value. That was exactly our intention.”
From valuable experience to the next chapter
For Architecten Vertongen, Valeria represented more than a successful project; it became an important milestone in the firm’s evolution.
“It was a turning point,” says Servaas. “At the time, we were still in a growth phase as a practice. The project demonstrated that our approach could successfully scale to larger developments. It reinforced our belief that quality should always take precedence over quantity.”
That philosophy continues today through Kliniekstraat in Gentbrugge, a new Fenixco development currently in the design phase.
Eline, who leads the project, explains:
“The site was formerly occupied by a school, featuring a large paved playground and several ancillary buildings. We chose to remove a significant portion of the hard surfaces and return the space to the neighbourhood as a green inner garden. This aligns perfectly with the City of Ghent’s urban vision, which promotes collective living environments with more room for greenery, interaction, and wellbeing.”
The project consists of a limited number of spacious residential units organised around a shared garden.
“Many neighbouring gardens directly border the site,” Eline explains. “We are creating opportunities for future connections, allowing the green space to become a natural extension of the surrounding neighbourhood. Green space in the city is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity.”
Mobility as an integral design component
Another distinctive aspect of the project is its innovative approach to mobility.
“We worked closely with Ghent’s mobility department,” says Eline. “Initially, parking spaces were planned within the garden area, but the city encouraged us to reconsider that approach. Underground parking was not economically viable, so we explored alternative solutions.”
The result is a development that prioritises shared and sustainable mobility.
“We were able to reduce the number of parking spaces by investing in cycling infrastructure and incorporating a shared vehicle. Dedicated facilities are provided for cargo bikes, speed pedelecs, and traditional bicycles. This allows us to preserve as much green space as possible while still meeting residents’ mobility needs.”
For Servaas, the project offers a glimpse into the future.
“This is how urban residential developments will increasingly look. Less emphasis on private car ownership and more emphasis on quality of life. It is a natural evolution as younger generations place greater value on accessibility, convenience, and experience than on ownership alone.”
The role of technology in the design process
Alongside sustainability and mobility, technological innovation plays an increasingly important role within the practice.
Gaëlle sees this evolution reflected in daily practice:
“Architecture evolves alongside the tools we use. The introduction of AutoCAD fundamentally changed our profession in the 1990s. Today, artificial intelligence is having a similar impact. It accelerates workflows, generates alternatives, and supports decision-making. Yet human interpretation remains indispensable.”
She continues:
“We increasingly see ourselves as curators of quality, helping clients navigate an ever-growing range of possibilities.”
Eline agrees:
“We already use AI during the conceptual design phase. It allows us to explore atmospheres, materials, and design directions much more quickly. The results are not perfect, but they are valuable tools that enrich the creative process.”
Architecture as a reflection of society
For Servaas, architecture has always reflected the way people live.
“Society changes, and our buildings evolve with it,” he says. “We see more single-person households, new forms of shared living, and changing working patterns. All of these shifts influence how we design spaces. The traditional family home will remain, but it will increasingly coexist with co-housing concepts, flexible housing solutions, and smaller residential units.”
Gaëlle adds:
“The way people work and move is also changing fundamentally. These transformations affect not only housing, but also workplaces, public spaces, and collective facilities. Architecture should not merely respond to these changes; it should actively help shape them.”
According to Servaas, the pandemic accelerated many of these developments.
“Remote working fundamentally changed our relationship with office spaces. Offices are becoming places for collaboration, creativity, and social interaction. That human dimension will be one of the defining elements of future architecture.”
Eline also highlights the growing impact of climate change.
“We are facing hotter summers and more intense rainfall events. That directly affects the way we design buildings. Water management, shading strategies, and passive cooling are no longer optional considerations. They have become essential.”
A partnership built on trust
When the conversation turns back to Fenixco, all three emphasise the strength of the collaboration.
“The relationship is transparent, efficient, and above all human,” says Eline. “We share the same understanding of quality: quality that is sustainable, functional, and genuine.”
Servaas continues:
“What distinguishes Fenixco is its commitment after the sale. The company remains involved, listens to residents, and continues to learn from every project. That level of continuity is rare in our industry.”
Gaëlle concludes:
“That is incredibly motivating for us as architects. We know the projects we design will continue to be cared for and valued long after completion. It encourages us to create places that will remain meaningful and relevant for decades to come.”
Looking ahead
With a growing team, a strong portfolio of projects, and trusted partnerships such as the one with Fenixco, Architecten Vertongen looks confidently towards the future.
“We want to continue investing in knowledge sharing, innovation, and collaboration,” says Gaëlle. “The sector is evolving rapidly, but our mission remains unchanged: to create architecture of lasting quality, with respect for people, place, and time.”
Eline concludes:
“We want to create places where people genuinely feel at home, not only on the day they move in, but for many years afterwards. Ultimately, that is the true essence of architecture: creating beauty that stands the test of time.”
Fenixco and Architecten Vertongen share a clear conviction: building is about far more than constructing walls. It is about shaping environments that create value, today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
Closing reflection
Kliniekstraat demonstrates how contemporary architecture can go beyond simply creating living space. By combining de-paving, shared green areas, thoughtful mobility solutions and high-quality architecture, the project not only responds to the needs of today, but is also prepared for the city of tomorrow.
Together with Architecten Vertongen, Fenixco is creating a residential environment where sustainability, quality of life and connection take centre stage. A place where architecture does not merely shape buildings, but also enriches everyday life.
Interested in the Kliniekstraat project in Gentbrugge or curious about the opportunities it offers?
Feel free to contact us:
+32 9 232 11 15
info@fenixco.be
