Sustainability and functionality in balance
Nova One
In the Antwerp port area, along Katwilgweg, rises Nova One: a multifunctional building that unites offices and industrial activities in one architectural whole. Developed by Ghelamco for end-user Dematic (Kion), the project combines premium office space with assembly and warehouse zones, complemented by an underground car park for 200 cars and 155 bicycles.
Facts about the project
- VIMINALIS III (Ghelamco)
- Client
- Antwerp
- Location
- 17,000 m² (6,500 m² office, 5,900 m² assembly)
- Surface area
- architecture, BIM, landscape design, urban planning, feasibility studies
- Expertises
Two worlds under one roof
Nova One is a mid-rise building of 26 metres, consisting of five above-ground and three underground levels. The ground floor offers a clear height of 8.10 metres for industrial functions and a mezzanine with support facilities. Above, four floors host mainly open-plan office spaces. The design emphasises a harmonious interplay between industrial activity and offices, while ensuring both functions remain clearly and safely separated.
Spatial experience and connection
A central entrance along Katwilgweg leads to the main circulation core that connects all functions. The highlight is the experience staircase, which winds through the atrium and creates a direct link with the future centre of the site. This design brings light and air deep into the building and establishes visual and physical connections between office, warehouse and surroundings. The staggered volumes also provide through-light offices, varied spatial experiences and flexible layouts, making the building suitable for both single tenants and multiple users.
Functional efficiency
On one side, a compact loading and unloading area with a drive-in gate has been created. Despite the limited space, a comprehensive traffic study provided a solution that is safe, efficient and aesthetically sound. The entire building is designed on a grid of 1.35 m x 1.35 m and 8.10 m x 8.10 m, ensuring flexibility for future adaptations or repurposing.
Sustainability and certification
Nova One meets the strictest standards for energy and sustainability. It is a nearly energy-neutral building (BEN) with an E-level of 40, designed in line with European ESG regulations. The project has achieved BREEAM Excellent and WELL Gold certifications, combining measures on energy, carbon, water, waste and biodiversity. Green roofs, energy-efficient technologies and a circular approach make Nova One a future-proof building.
Partnership and execution
The realisation of Nova One was led by Ghelamco with the involvement of a broad consortium. BM Engineering provided structural and technical studies, while contractors such as Democo, LEEB Okyanus and SPIE were responsible for structural works, façades and installations. Encon supported certification for BREEAM and WELL, and control offices such as Seco and Scala ensured safety, acoustics and quality.