What is Built Heritage?
Built heritage is a vital part of our environment and cultural identity. It includes monuments, historic buildings, landscapes, and archaeological sites that are valuable to society because of their history, architecture, or significance.
At Triginta, we view built heritage not only as a connection to the past, but also as a foundation for a sustainable and meaningful future.
The Many Forms of Built Heritage
Built heritage is diverse and includes several categories:
Monuments
Buildings or structures with outstanding historical, cultural, or architectural value, such as churches, castles, and historic homes.
Archaeological Sites
Places where traces of past human activity have been found, offering valuable insights into ancient civilisations and ways of life.
Landscapes
Areas shaped by the interaction between humans and nature, with historical or aesthetic significance — such as parks, gardens, and heritage farmland.
Urban and Village Views
Historic streetscapes that shape the character and identity of a town or city.
Legal Status and Protection Frameworks
In Flanders, heritage assets can hold different statuses, each with specific rights and obligations for owners, local authorities, and property managers:
Inventoried Heritage
Properties listed in the Inventory of Built Heritage. While this status has no direct legal implications, it lays the groundwork for further protection and conservation.
Designated Heritage
Officially recognised by the competent authority. This status brings legal responsibilities, such as disclosing the heritage status to buyers or tenants and factoring it into local planning decisions.
Protected Heritage
Legally protected due to its exceptional value. Owners must comply with regulations regarding maintenance and renovations. In return, they may be eligible for financial support such as grants and tax incentives.
At Triginta, we are well-versed in navigating these legal frameworks to ensure that heritage is preserved and repurposed with care.
The Importance of Built Heritage
Cultural and Historical Value
Built heritage offers a tangible link to the past. It tells stories, safeguards collective memory, and helps define the cultural identity of communities. Preserving these elements ensures that future generations can continue to access, learn from, and be inspired by them.
Community Engagement
Heritage conservation strengthens social cohesion. Historic places often serve as gathering points and can support new cultural and social activities. They instil a sense of pride and connection. That’s why, at Triginta, we involve the local community in our projects to ensure that our repurposing efforts align with their needs and values.
Sustainability and Reuse
We strongly believe in the power of repurposing. Reusing existing buildings is not only more environmentally friendly than new construction — it also preserves the intrinsic value of the structure. Through thoughtful and flexible design, heritage buildings can be adapted to modern uses without compromising their character. This fits seamlessly with our commitment to sustainable development and the circular economy.
Financial Support and Incentives
Conserving and restoring heritage properties can be financially demanding, but various support mechanisms are available:
Heritage Grants
Available for work on protected heritage sites to help cover part of the restoration costs.
Heritage Loans
Offered with favourable terms for both protected properties and those listed in the official inventory of architectural heritage.
Tax Benefits
Under specific conditions, owners of protected heritage may qualify for tax relief.
At Triginta, we make full use of these resources to bring projects to life and support property owners in maintaining their heritage.
The Challenges of Heritage Preservation
Preserving and repurposing built heritage comes with its own set of challenges:
Technical Complexity
Historic buildings may hide structural issues that complicate or increase renovation costs. Energy retrofitting can also be difficult. Our in-house expertise allows us to tackle these challenges professionally and creatively.
Regulatory Landscape
Heritage protection laws require careful navigation. We maintain close working relationships with authorities to ensure full compliance and successful outcomes.
Financial Considerations
While heritage conservation adds value over time, initial investments are often higher than for new builds. We are committed to finding economically viable solutions that also serve the public good.
Looking to the Future
By integrating built heritage into contemporary society, we create continuity between past, present, and future. Our mission is not just to safeguard historic buildings, but to keep them relevant, vibrant, and alive.
Through innovation, respect, and community engagement, we contribute to sustainable development and enrich the places in which we live, work, and grow.