A carbon-neutral ecosystem with offices, hotel, and coworking spaces
The Wings
In Diegem, at a strategic location close to Brussels Airport, stands The Wings: a multifunctional complex that brings together offices, a hotel, coworking spaces, restaurants, and a fitness center within a fully carbon-neutral ecosystem. Developed by Ghelamco and delivered in 2024, the project is Belgium’s first certified CO₂- and energy-neutral office environment, achieving the triple certification BREEAM Excellent, WELL Gold, and DGNB Gold.
Facts about the project
- Ghelamco Belgium
- Client
- Diegem
- Location
- 49,367 m² above ground + 39,992 m² parking
- Surface area
- architecture, interior architecture, BIM, feasibility studies, programming
- Expertises
A multifunctional landmark
The Wings comprises 50,000 m² of office space, a luxury hotel with 250 rooms, an international coworking hub for expats, a fitness center, and several restaurants. At its heart lies the atrium, a central space fostering interaction and synergy between functions. Underground, three levels provide 1,157 parking spaces. EY Belgium has established its new headquarters here, complete with a business center and company restaurant, reinforcing the project’s international profile.
From wing to quadrant
The initial sketches envisioned a wing-shaped structure, inspired by the site’s location between the airport and the forest. This concept evolved into a quadrant design: four transparent volumes—three office wings and one hotel—that can be flexibly subdivided or combined. Each volume is set back in tiers, offering generous green terraces that bring light, air, and visual connectivity. The site’s natural slopes were seamlessly integrated into the design, ensuring harmony with its surroundings.
Connected to the city and the airport
The Diegem site offers a triple-A location with immediate access to the airport, the Brussels Ring, and major transport arteries. Public transport ensures direct connections to Brussels Airport and Brussels North, while a new tram line stops right at the entrance. The nearby Diegem station and the Leuven–Vilvoorde cycle highway enhance multimodal accessibility, complemented by a new cycle bridge linking both sides of the ring road.
Architecture and landscape design
The organic architecture is characterized by rounded corners, expansive glazing, and horizontal divisions in light grey aluminum cladding. Each floor opens onto green terraces, extending into quality outdoor spaces. For the landscaping, the design team collaborated with floral artist Daniel Ost, who translated the building’s flowing lines into a harmonious green framework. The result is a campus where work and well-being are seamlessly integrated.
Sustainability as a foundation
The Wings was conceived as an exemplary ecosystem generating its own energy without fossil fuels. Its realization required intensive coordination and innovative construction techniques: post-tensioning to make floor slabs lighter and thinner (30% less concrete), recyclable aluminum façade cladding, large-scale rainwater recovery, and more than 600 solar panels. Two swales and an extensive borehole energy storage (BEO) field are part of the integrated energy concept. All materials used underwent an LCA analysis, and the building is registered with a materials passport in Madaster.
Energy performance and certification
The Wings achieved a nearly zero-energy (NZE) classification with an E-level of E55 (offices) and E70 (hotel). Its outstanding sustainability ambitions were recognized with BREEAM Excellent, WELL Gold, and DGNB Gold certifications.
Team
The realization of The Wings was made possible through close collaboration between Ghelamco Belgium, assar architects, and various partners. Macobo-Stabo was responsible for structural engineering and building services, while NeoPaul NV and Inytium SA contributed to design and integration. Vivalyte BV delivered innovative lighting solutions.