DMOA Architects

architecture as a craft…

For DMOA, architecture is the result of a very intensive artisanal process. Every project starts from a blank sheet. The first pen strokes already contain the seed of a concrete building. What is drawn must be able to be built. For this, we work in a very artisanal way, like a master builder. We seek intensive collaboration with the crafts that are needed to realise the building. If necessary, we experiment with materials and products ourselves. In this artisanal process, we embrace traditional techniques and materials and continue to draw inspiration from our rich building history.

…versus the ingenious

This artisanal way of working is reinforced by our curiosity about the wondrous technologies of our time. Architecture stands at the beginning of a new era. Intelligent buildings, interactivity, robotisation of the construction process, artificial intelligence, virtual reality… As engineers, we are driven to make full use of the possibilities being developed today.

We learn from the authentic, we embrace the new. This fusion brings something new.

innovation through experiment

Without experiment, our projects do not take shape. Experimenting has become second nature. For our architecture, we often cannot rely on ready-made solutions. We now know that we can also choose the difficult path. DMOA experiments in every area. For a house in Kontich, we developed a completely new type of façade system in Corten steel. In Heverlee, we built round concrete walls whose finish you would think is tree bark. The façade of our new office is constructed from “rammed concrete” only 10 cm thick and for a house in Blanden, we developed a very distinctive detailing for ‘stamp windows’ (awarded 1st prize at the Schrijnwerk Awards).

innovation through bringing together diverse disciplines

When different disciplines collaborate, fireworks can arise, something exciting, something new. DMOA is more skilled than anyone else at bringing people together to elevate a project to another level. We coordinate this entire process and motivate all parties to create something exceptional. Our Maggie is the finest example of this. The collaborations are too numerous to mention and they come from very diverse fields; universities (KUL), government organisations (IWT, FIT,various ministries,…), manufacturers (Vermako, Vervaeke,…), aid organisations (UNHCR, MSF, IRFC,…) ngo ‘s, humanitarian non-profit organisations,… In January, we won the prestigious Henry van de Velde Award for Life Quality for Maggie. There were many people on stage…

innovation through courage

To develop something new, one must be willing to jump into the dark. Starting something without knowing where it will end. DMOA possesses the necessary courage to take on such a challenge and the willpower to bring it to a successful conclusion.

context-oriented design…

Every realisation by DMOA is different again. Every building has its own identity.

We do not seek out a particular style, we go for a specific approach. The boundary conditions define the working method. The context determines the design. Architecture does not stand alone, it must be embedded in its surroundings, landscape. It must be an added value for the space around it. DMOA therefore looks beyond the building itself, as far as the building has an impact. Every transition between the project and the surrounding landscape or built environment, between the building and its content, between the concrete and the abstract, is analysed and, if necessary, a suitable solution is devised.

… and involvement with the client

The diversity in our projects also has to do with our clients. They all have their own programme, their own wishes, their own taste. DMOA can listen well, sense. We do not only try to meet the client’s package of wishes. We try to broaden their world of thought. The result is therefore always a surprise.

search for the right atmosphere

DMOA uses every possible architectural element to achieve the right atmosphere for a particular space, building or landscape. Proportions (in all dimensions), natural light, artificial or candlelight, rough or smooth materials, matt or shiny, hard or soft,.. the tactile, the acoustic and even the olfactory dimension,… everything is united into one harmonious whole.

A right atmosphere reinforces and broadens human activity, actions and communication. It simply feels good.

new social commitment

DMOA’s reference list mainly contains private housing projects. New constructions and renovations, small and large, interior and exterior. For everything that crossed our path, we went for thorough solutions, we made the best of a given situation. We gave every family their own beautiful biotope.

With every project, we want to set a good example. However, the social relevance remains small. That is why, for a number of years now, we have taken on a new social commitment. From our own identity, we want to use our capacities to enrich our society, make our cities and villages more liveable and give our natural greenery new breathing space. The first projects in the urban fabric are a fact, and many more are in the pipeline.

Worldwide, DMOA wants to develop solutions to increase the opportunities for displaced persons and refugees. Our Maggie is only the first step in that direction.