Polder Police, Diksmuide

The new police building at Diksmuide is a benchmark in circular, adaptable construction in the public sector. The architecture rests on a well-conceived structural grid and a constructional logic that make reuse and adaptation easier. In both the spatial design and the use of materials, the choice fell on a clear, demountable structure offering maximum future value: a robust, legible building that relies on resilience and simplicity.

The compact square plan organises the functions around a central atrium bathed in natural light, which serves as a landmark and a meeting place. This core connects visually, in circulation terms and programmatically, and forms a pivot between the workspaces and the roof garden. A modular 5 x 5 metre grid creates a neutral structure that is easy to reorganise. The result is a building that evolves with the needs of the organisation and supports various forms of working, without structural intervention.

The entire load-bearing structure is in cross-laminated timber (CLT), chosen for its environmental performance, its structural quality and its speed of construction. Prefabrication allows a short build time with minimal impact on the surroundings. The expressive timber structure remains visible inside, where it not only adds warmth and tactility but also offers a recognisable materiality that radiates comfort and transparency.

The result is an architecturally clear building in which circularity and affordability go hand in hand. By designing on the basis of systemic logic and material efficiency, it proves that sustainable public architecture need not sacrifice quality, ease of use or appearance.