OPZ Rekem provides specialized care for young people in a therapeutic, nature-inspired setting, built with a prefabricated kit of parts.

On the edge of the Hoge Kempen National Park, Rekem Belgium is the campus of the Public Psychiatric Care Centre.

This is a specialized care facility that provides comprehensive care and support for young people with complex needs, including mental health issues, behavioural problems, and developmental disorders.

The centre offers a range of services, such as residential care, therapeutic interventions, and educational support to help young individuals achieve stability and improve their quality of life.

The architectural design of the OPZ Rekem project focuses on creating a therapeutic environment that promotes healing and well-being. The design incorporates natural light, open spaces, and materials that contribute to a calming atmosphere.

The application of prefabricated mass timber kits of parts was a key solution in this project. The kit allowed for efficient mass timber construction, reducing on-site waste and decreasing the environmental impact. The timber elements were designed to fit together seamlessly, ensuring a quick and precise assembly process.

Each floor contains a cluster of services around a central lift and stair core. The plinth contains meeting facilities and services. Compact floors ensure that no area is lost and that the focus is on the surrounding landscape.

Carbon footprint

The Sylva™ kit generated 33 tonnes of greenhouse gases (CO₂e) to manufacture and 17 tonnes of CO₂e to transport. Compared to the 480 tonnes of carbon dioxide that the trees removed while they were growing and will store in for the school, this is a small fraction. Choosing Sylva CLT elements instead of non-renewables avoided 718 tonnes of greenhouse gases. (Source: Stora Enso Carbon Calculator. Try it out and see what how small the carbon footprint of your project would be too).

Learn more about

-the advantages with mass timber download whitepaper

-building with a kit of parts in this short video series, Sylva Talks (DE,FR and SE subtitles available). 

-how wooden buildings help healthcare