Our winning submission for a major mixed-use retrofit job in the European Quarter in Brussels, Belgium, beating UK and international competition was covered in the Architects’ Journal this morning https://lnkd.in/epRG_6jD
As reported, 0ur winning scheme was born out of a deeply collaborative approach and spirit with Belgian practice a2o, VELD and landscape architects TN PLUS to overhaul L’ilot 130, an office complex near the European Commission, which will transform around 100,000m2 of office space into upgraded workplaces, homes, and community facilities.
Real estate fund Whitewood and developer #Cityforward said the winning scheme prioritised ‘sustainability and circularity, focusing on opening up the ground floor, adding green spaces, and improving water management, carbon footprint, and energy efficiency’.
Whitewood business development director Christophe le Polain told the AJ that the winning scheme was ‘an ambitious project that aligns perfectly with our expectations, values, and those of the authorities.’ He added: 'Their ability to design a large-scale project within a short timeframe, adhering to key principles of circularity and sustainability, demonstrates both their expertise and commitment to a more responsible future.
‘This project integrates high-quality residential components essential to the neighbourhood while providing office spaces that meet current market demands with optimal energy performance. We look forward to bringing this collaboration to life and continuing our work together on the detailed design of this landmark project.’ The competition brief had called for the complex’s ground floor to be opened up while ‘greening’ the building’s interior and delivering a building with around 70 per cent offices, 25 per cent housing, and 5 per cent facilities space.
Morris + Company was shortlisted along with UK firms Caruso St John Architects, in a team with Bovenbouw Architectuur and Kollektif Landscape, and Maccreanor Lavington working with Dutch firm Popma ter Steege Architecten. The other finalists included: ArtBuild Architects with 3XN and Delva; Juurlink [+] Geluk, Urbanism and Landscape Design, Geluk and V8; and OZ architect with Stijlgroep Landscape & Urban Design. Almost an entire block long, L’ilot 130 it is one of 21 European Commission buildings tipped for redevelopment as part of a masterplan by Brussels-based practice Plusoffice Architects, which includes ‘sustainable buildings’ and the introduction of housing.
#Architecture #Sustainability #EuropeanQuarter #Innovation #ILOBuilding #Brussels #EcoUrban #Whitewood #EuropeanDistrict #ILOT130 #EuropeanQuarter #VilleDeBrussells