Transformation of a business site into a sustainable residential project around an inner garden
Tervuren Square
On the former RIZIV site along Avenue de Tervuren and close to Montgomery Square in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Tervuren Square is emerging: a sustainable residential and office project organized around a green inner garden. The 12,000 m² site is being completely redeveloped with respect for the existing structure and with a strong focus on circularity, biodiversity and urban quality of life.
Facts about the project
- Belfius Immo, BPI Real Estate Belgium, Burco Europe
- Client
- Woluwe-Saint-Pierre
- Location
- ±12,000 m²
- Surface area
- architecture, interior design, landscape design, project management, construction management, feasibility studies, programming
- Expertises
Context and program
The project comprises three buildings: one along Avenue de Tervuren, one along Rue du Collège Saint-Michel, and a central volume. A distinct development strategy was defined for each of these buildings. The largest building on Avenue de Tervuren is being thoroughly renovated and repurposed into 52 apartments and three office spaces on the ground floor. The central volume, known as the “Loft,” is being renovated into flexible office spaces with an intensive green roof. The building on Rue du Collège Saint-Michel is being demolished and replaced by 29 new housing units and an additional office space on the ground floor.
Sustainability and circularity
Tervuren Square addresses today’s environmental challenges. A detailed inventory identified which materials from the existing buildings could be reused. For example, façade bricks are given a second life as wall cladding in communal areas, façade maintenance grilles are repurposed as partition elements in stairwells, and door panels as well as blue stone are reused in basements and stair treads.
Beyond circular construction, the focus is on biodiversity and greening. Green roofs on all buildings, a spacious inner garden, and the creation of private gardens provide a high-quality living environment. The project deliberately opts for native plants and trees, adapted to the microclimate and orientation of the site.
Energy and water management
Thanks to the soil’s potential, geothermal energy was chosen, combined with a system of heat pumps and cogeneration. Overheating of the southern façades is prevented by loggias and balconies equipped with integrated solar shading. For efficient water management, rainwater tanks are installed to irrigate the green areas.
Architecture and organization
The three buildings each have their own architectural identity that reflects the character of the street in which they are located, while being connected by the shared inner garden. The façades are finished with light natural stone and warm bronze tones in window and door frames, balustrades and cornices. Local and European sourcing of materials is a strict requirement.
Additional facilities
The project responds to the needs of contemporary urban living. Automated parcel lockers for online deliveries are installed near the entrance halls, and all underground parking spaces are pre-equipped for the installation of charging points for electric vehicles.
Energy performance and certification
Tervuren Square aims for ambitious energy performance with a EPB A+, geothermal heat pumps, and a strong focus on circularity.
Team
The development of Tervuren Square is supported by a multidisciplinary team. Belfius Immo, BPI Real Estate Belgium and Burco Europe are the clients. Assar architects designed the architecture and landscape. Boydens was responsible for building services, Lemaire Ingénieur for structural engineering. BPC acted as general contractor, while Venac and Sweco provided expertise in acoustics.