Technical sheet

Wiek (A collection of mill restorations)

Mills as witnesses of the past and catalysts for the future

A mill is a magical thing. These are moving buildings, filled with timber gears, standing like giant Swiss timepieces in the landscape. Much like industrial mining or steam installations that followed, mills occupy a fascinating crossroads between building and machine. They played a crucial role in pre-industrial agriculture, grinding grain into flour. These prominent giants, often positioned on hills in open fields, formed essential links in the supply chain of daily bread. Beyond flour, mills served many other purposes: pressing oil, sawing trees, draining polders. All powered by wind or water, and sometimes, an ox.

The two most common types are the stone mill and the post mill. Broadly speaking, a stone mill consists of a static brick base with a rotating cap and sails, while a post mill is typically made entirely of wood and the whole body pivots on a central post. Both contain complex mechanical systems to operate the millstones: turning, braking or accelerating, lifting, filtering grain and flour, hoisting sacks, and more. These are highly specific objects that require deep expertise to keep them running.

In the past, our landscape was dotted with mills. Many have been lost due to neglect, storms, and war, but a significant heritage remains. Just as these structures demand extensive know-how to operate, they also require specialised knowledge to restore. And while returning a mill to working order may be the goal, it isn’t always the final one. Adaptive reuse isn’t straightforward, but it is possible. Some mills can be repurposed as catalysts for future use. In our portfolio, four mills are being reimagined with new or secondary functions:

The Plaatsmolen in Pittem is restored as a working mill and complemented by a garden ruin, a comfortable stop for cyclists to picnic.

The post mill (Houten Staakmolen) in Geluveld becomes a focal point for an educational trail on local culture and the link between farming and biodiversity.

The Kerrebroeckmolen in Jabbeke will be transformed into a small, locally rooted museum.

The Sint-Gustaafsmolen (its remaining base) becomes a private countryside retreat.

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Plaatsmolen in Pittem

Restoration of the Plaatsmolen in Pittem and transformation of a ruined chamber into a picnic spot.
All information can be found here: Plaatsmolen Pittem and Picnic Spot.

Houten Staakmolen in Geluveld

The wooden post mill of Geluveld is being restored and rebuilt. But the story doesn't end there. This mill has many tales to tell: about vanished mills and village taverns, rare typologies, the Great War, the history of agriculture, and even the story of Belgium’s first female mayor. Many of these stories are rooted in the local area and will be told on-site. To facilitate this, a compact reception pavilion and intelligent landscape design are planned.

A shell unfolding, its hinge point low to the ground, revealing a silvery inside where the halves part. Or a fault line, a shift in the earth exposing an unexpected cut in the crust. This cut wasn’t chosen randomly. It looks out toward the mill and the valley, toward the evening sun that lights up the grain. Two faces, then. A closed side where needed. An open side where possible.

Sint-Gustaafmolen Veurne

A thorough restoration with a new gem at the back. The core of the Sint-Gustaaf Mill has long ceased to resemble a mill. A century ago, a storm tore off its roof and sails. Instead of repairing it, all internal machinery was removed and a spire was added. The resulting image evokes a fortified tower, once part of a gate or fortress; but in reality, it was a former polder mill that helped drain the inland sea known as De Moeren.

Years of neglect have taken a toll on its brickwork. This robust restoration aims to prepare the mill core to become a private retreat. At the back lies an opportunity: above the former screw pit, the vault has disappeared. A large door, facing west and south, opens onto vast landscapes, yet one can’t step outside. A lightweight and circular terrace will be added in the design, connecting to this door. The terrace cleverly avoids needing railings. In doing so, mill and landscape are physically reconnected, just as a platform once did long ago.

Kerrebroeckmolen in Jabbeke

Shall we speak metaphorically? A blossom, and behind it the mill body in Jabbeke. Both seeds for a new beginning. Unlike the blossom, the mill has already lived a long life; weathered and scarred by time. Consolidation works on this structure are now beginning. To consolidate is to battle time. To try and halt it. But the blossom knows time ticks on regardless. We pause time, so we can carry the past forward into the future.

What does that future look like? That will be revealed after the current repurposing study is completed.

Witte Molen in Roksem

The Witte Molen in Roksem is undergoing a comprehensive restoration to once again become a working flour mill. All aspects are addressed: mechanical, structural, and landscape. With its striking colours, it is a well-known landmark in the region.

Merelaanmolen in Gistel

A unique piece of heritage; there is only one like it. This remarkable mill combines a solid masonry base with a rotating wooden mill structure on top. It was built relatively late in milling history, at a point where mills were already becoming obsolete. Perhaps that’s why it was viewed differently: in 1933, it became the first mill (in the world?) to generate electricity. The entire structure is now being fully restored.

Houten staakmolen in Lo-Reninge

This green giant, just outside the historic town center of Lo-Reninge, has seen much history. Unfortunately, that story paused with several decades of disuse, now showing their toll. The mill will be fully restored to working condition.

Schelderodemolen in Merelbeke

This mill is being restored once more to become a fully operational flour mill.