Circularity and multifunctionality in the heart of the European Quarter
the First
Located in the heart of the European Quarter, on the prestigious Orbansquare and surrounded by greenery, The First has become a benchmark for sustainable redevelopment. The former office building was given a second life with a clear focus on circularity, carbon neutrality, and multifunctionality. The result is a contemporary building that seamlessly combines working, meeting, and experiencing.
Facts about the project
- EaglestoneUnion Investment Real Estate GmbH, Belgian Branch · real estate developer: Eaglestone
- Client
- Brussels
- Location
- 8,554 m²
- Surface area
- architecture, interior design, landscape architecture
- Expertises
A multifunctional concept
The First offers a total of 7,445 m² of modern office space, complemented by 870 m² of services and a 239 m² hospitality area. The hospitality section, including an inviting terrace, brings extra vibrancy to what was once a predominantly administrative district. This makes the building more than just a workplace: it becomes a dynamic meeting space.
A building that evolves with the city
The original six-storey volume (G+5) was expanded to eight (G+7) through a lightweight structure in wood, metal, and concrete. The façades are enhanced with green terraces and the roof was equipped with an intensive green roof, boosting both biodiversity and urban quality of life.
The underground level provides 50 parking spaces and 49 bicycle spaces, actively supporting sustainable mobility.
Sustainability as a foundation
The redevelopment of The First is fully aligned with the most ambitious environmental and energy standards. The building achieved BREEAM Excellent and PEB A+ certification and is designed to operate as carbon-neutral. Key pillars include:
- circular and responsible construction
- positive energy production
- integration of photovoltaic façades and roofs
- rainwater collection and treatment
- intensive green roofs and terraces
- enhancement of biodiversity
An especially innovative element is the heat recovery from the Verizonthe First datacenter, located within the building. The residual heat is used to warm offices and services, making the energy concept even more sustainable and efficient.
Choice of materials
For the renovation, innovative and environmentally friendly materials were deliberately chosen, fitting the urban context while contributing to circularity. Each material was selected for its sustainable qualities and to give the project a distinctive character. The interplay of wood, metal, and concrete delivers not only robust but also elegant architecture, perfectly in tune with the urban environment.
A strong team
The success of The First is the result of intensive collaboration between multiple partners:
- Owner: Union Investment Real Estate GmbH – Belgian Branch
- Real estate developer: Eaglestone
- Architect: assar architects
- Contractor: Valens
- Engineer (ST/STAB): CSD engineering
- BREEAM expert: B4f
- Control office: Seco
- Acoustic studies: Venac
- VGC: Coseas