{"id":38638,"date":"2025-06-23T13:37:28","date_gmt":"2025-06-23T11:37:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/?post_type=showroom_cpt&p=38638"},"modified":"2026-02-24T14:11:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T13:11:14","slug":"from-technical-works-to-green-revolution-how-overijse-reinvented-its-public-space","status":"publish","type":"showroom_cpt","link":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/en\/showroom\/from-technical-works-to-green-revolution-how-overijse-reinvented-its-public-space\/","title":{"rendered":"From technical works to green revolution: how Overijse reinvented its public space"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Liveable cities<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

From technical works to green revolution: how Overijse reinvented its public space<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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What began as a simple sewer project evolved into a comprehensive redesign of the neighborhood. The streets J.B. Dekeyserstraat, J.P. Dieudonn\u00e9straat, and E. Carelstraat received new infrastructure, and the underground IJse stream was partially uncovered. This created a green, safe corridor for cyclists and walkers between Terhulpsesteenweg and Stationsstraat. Additionally, Groothuys Park underwent a transformation.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n \t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Client<\/dt>\n
Gemeente Overijse<\/span><\/dd>\n
Location<\/dt>\n
Overijse<\/span><\/dd>\n
Expertise<\/dt>\n
Hydraulic Infrastructure, IWM, Mobility, Landscape & Public Space, Climate Adaptation<\/a>, Civil Engineering<\/span><\/dd>\n <\/dl>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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Overijse is located on the southeastern edge of the Zoni\u00ebnwoud, in the fertile IJsevallei. Historically, the town has been an important hub connecting cities like Brussels, Tervuren, Leuven, and Waver. This project aims to enhance the historical village center, fostering links between nature, recreation, and mobility.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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From sewer project to visionary redevelopment<\/h2>\n

The original plan focused on separating waste and rainwater using a dual rainwater sewer system and a separate waste water sewer. This technical aspect sparked a wider transformation of the living environment. The IJse, previously hidden beneath the road, was uncovered and its capacity increased, improving both water quality and neighborhood safety. The new IJse channel was created with openings to the ground to naturally manage groundwater<\/a> fluctuations.<\/p>\n

During construction, camera inspections revealed the poor condition of the covered IJse culvert. Therefore, our civil engineering team carried out a complete renovation.<\/p>\n

Thanks to the multidisciplinary collaboration<\/a> of different teams, innovative solutions emerged: a safe bike path, a redesigned neighborhood square, and resilient water management<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Smart building, sustainable greening<\/h2>\n

The redesign emphasized permeable materials for streets and parking areas. For example, the square at J.P. Dieudonn\u00e9straat was paved with permeable materials and featured spacious planting areas for new trees.
\nGreening was a major focus of this project. The paving was seeded with a clover mix that thrives in both dry and shady conditions.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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The most beautiful part of the new park is the zone at the source. What used to be an overgrown, forgotten corner is now an idyllic spot with carefully chosen bankside plants and colorful flowers. Surrounded by a wooden deck, this peaceful location offers a beautiful contrast to the large, open park.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Marie Valckenaers<\/strong>, Junior engineer<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Groothuys park: blending nature and heritage<\/h2>\n

A key aspect of the project was the redevelopment of Groothuys Park, a recognized heritage landscape. With a thoughtful management plan, we reopened the park to the public, incorporated valuable nature, and intertwined the landscape with the uncovered IJse. The new bike path now winds along the water, via J.B. Dekeyserstraat, creating a green connection between the park and the rest of the village.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Stinze plants & biodiversity<\/h3>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Our experts developed a detailed planting plan: they identified which species to keep, which to remove, and provided advice on new, suitable tree and plant additions. The priorities were:<\/p>\n