La Cité de la Pierre

In 2002, a community campaign stopped the planned demolition of old quarry workers’ houses in Allain, near Tournai, Belgium. These 150-year-old homes were run-down, and only five were livable. Instead of replacing them with a car park and shops, the housing agency Le Logis Tournaisien stepped in to save and restore them.
With public funding and community support, 11 modern social housing units were created. The homes kept their original design and historic features like oak beams and old chimneys, while adding modern heating, private toilets, and better insulation. The mix includes 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes, built to suit smaller households and changing family needs.
The layout encourages a strong sense of community, with shared spaces and homes grouped around a courtyard. Many of the homes’ original eco-friendly features—like rainwater collection and south-facing design—were kept, making them energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. The project helped revive the neighbourhood, now a stop on the local “Stone Circuit” heritage walk.
Funding came mostly from public grants, with Le Logis Tournaisien covering the rest. Residents were chosen from the social housing waiting list, and rules are in place to prevent the homes from being sold off or turned into luxury housing.
The project improved living conditions, preserved local history, and brought a renewed sense of pride to the community. A Conservation Committee now works to protect the area’s heritage. Inspired by the success, the local housing agency is now planning 18 more affordable homes and a nursery nearby, with support from the EU.