‘Het Moment’ is the experience centre of Averbode Abbey. The heritage site is an inspiring and peaceful environment which is now made accessible to visitors. In addition to a brewery, the site also hosts a cheese factory, a bakery and an abbey shop. The interconnectedness of these spaces showcases the versatile and century-old production processes of beer, cheese and bread. Tasting and enjoying these artisan end products is key. Along with B-Bis architects, OMGEVING was in charge of the development of the scenographic concept, the architectural interventions, the design of the information carriers, the design of the fixed and loose furniture and the redevelopment of the surrounding grounds along with the reopening of the historic fortifications.
The architectural concept is based on the removal of recent additions to the site and consolidates its boundary by extending the old farmhouse with a covered exhibition space. The exhibition space shares information about the abbey and the wider region. It is also the starting point of the tour to the various sights and buildings. The interventions to the ancient abbey buildings are executed with great respect for its historic past. Existing window openings are fitted with new steel windows, and in strategic places sunlight is filtered through brick screen walls. The interior interventions breathe simplicity and allow a dynamic view on the different production processes, allowing the visitors in the tasting room to follow closely how the brewery is operated. The realization of ‘Het Moment’ complies with the ambition to utilize the recreational assets of Averbode Abbey and its wider environment to its full potential.
The architectural interventions within this project were realised by OM/AR architecten performed under the name OMGEVING.
