Brussels Environment

Asset to the Brussels Tours & Taxi site 

The Brussels building is characterized by a compact volume with stepped receding floor slabs under a rounded and largely transparent roof. A central atrium functions as a continuation of the adjacent square, where large-scale historical buildings such as the Royal Depot and the Sheds are situated.

Upstairs to the offices 

The two lowest storeys contain a visitors’ centre concerned with ecological themes, an auditorium, a multimedia library, a conference centre and a restaurant.

The offices start from the second floor. Their flexible arrangement makes them suitable for many different types of workplaces. A prominently positioned, continuous cascade staircase dovetails with open galleries and encourages taking the stairs instead of the lift.

Excellent and passive climate control 

The new Brussels Environment does not only hold the BREEAM-Excellent certificate. Partly thanks to concrete core activated floors connected to a geothermal pump in the ground, the building also complies with all the criteria for the Passivbau.

The triple glazing in the thermal-break façade system provides excellent insulation. The strongly heat-resistant glass is additionally combined with external sun shading that reacts to the heat load. The individual ventilation facilities in the façades also contribute to an agreeable climate on warm summer days.

Transparent heat capture 

The atrium plays an important role in the building-services concept, partly because the heat it captures is reused. It also makes a significant contribution to the transparency of the building.
A large area of solar panels has been fully integrated into the façade.