Sweco Belgium
Bree to Get New Sports and Residential Complex in Green Lung
In Bree, the foundation stone has been laid for De Weeg, a multifunctional sports and residential complex that will play a key role in the city’s social and urban fabric in the coming years. The project brings together various functions on a single site—a former hospital location—and is designed with a focus on sustainability, inclusion, and quality of life.
As a multidisciplinary engineering consultancy, Sweco plays a central role in the realisation of De Weeg. We are responsible for the concept design, the detailed design, and the supervision of the works. Our teams handle all studies related to structural stability, energy performance, technical installations, and acoustics. Thanks to this integrated approach, we ensure that all technical and architectural components are perfectly aligned. The architectural design is provided by Slangen+Koenis and Oskar Architecten, who together deliver a thoughtful and future-oriented concept.
Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Development
At the heart of the project is an extensive sports complex that accommodates a wide range of activities. Two spacious sports halls with spectator stands form the core of the infrastructure, complemented by a gymnastics hall and two dojos for martial arts. There will also be a swimming area with a 25-metre pool, a teaching pool, and a paddling pool for young children. The sports facilities are designed for both recreational and competitive use, catering to athletes of all ages and levels.
In addition to sports, there is space for social interaction. A hospitality venue overlooking the pool and sports fields offers visitors a place to relax. Offices and meeting rooms are provided for sports clubs and management. The combination of sports, leisure, and support services makes this a vibrant meeting place for the entire community.
Social Housing in a Landscape Park
What makes De Weeg unique is the integration of social housing within the project. Above the sports area, a residential tower will house social and affordable apartments. We deliberately chose a compact building design to allow for a large green zone around the residences.
Surrounding the complex will be a green park landscape featuring an athletics track with stands, beach courts, and walking paths. This not only enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors but also contributes to biodiversity and water management. The new homes will be wheelchair-accessible multi-family units, ensuring lifelong living.
In the future residential complex, we are planning 36 new apartments. De Weeg demonstrates how we, as partners, are building high-quality and integrated housing. By combining living with sports and leisure, we are creating a dynamic and liveable environment for everyone.
Sven Meermans, Financial Director of the City of Bree
Energy-Neutral Timber Construction
The residential tower serves as a visual landmark for the entire campus towards the city and is built entirely from CLT panels (Cross Laminated Timber). CLT combines high strength and stability with low weight, making it ideal for load-bearing applications without the heavy transport and installation burden of concrete or steel. The panels are prefabricated and dry-assembled, reducing construction time and weather dependency. Moreover, they are made from renewable wood that stores CO₂ and is produced through an energy-efficient process. Although wood is flammable, CLT offers a safe fire response due to its charring outer layer that protects the structure. Its natural appearance and compatibility with other materials also provide aesthetic and design flexibility.
The building is also energy-neutral. It uses an ATES system (Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage) in combination with a water-to-water heat pump. These technologies provide efficient heating and cooling without fossil fuels. Thoughtful choices have also been made in energy management: internal heat pumps in the air handling units recover residual heat. Additional features include LED lighting, demand-driven ventilation, rainwater harvesting, and acoustic comfort. The entire complex meets the strictest EPB standards and serves as a model for future-oriented construction.
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