Brussels Environment

Brussels Environment is the government authority in the field of environment and habitat in the Belgian Capital Region and has recently settled in one of the capital’s largest and most important urban renewal districts, the Tour&Taxis site on the Havenlaan. Given that the organ issues ambitious guidelines for sustainability, its own quarters function as an edifying national and international example.

The 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, which includes the large-scale historical buildings of the Royal Depot and the Sheds, which were recently renovated and now house offices, restaurants, design retail and cultural events. The two lowest storeys contain a visitors’ centre with ecological themes, an auditorium, a multimedia library, a conference centre and a restaurant. The offices are situated above the public areas from the third floor upwards and are suitable for many different types of workspace, due to the flexibility of their internal arrangement. On the third floor, there is also a laboratory in which Brussels Environment carries out trials and tests related to its work field. A prominently positioned, continuous cascade staircase dovetails with open galleries and encourages taking the stairs instead of the lift.

Innovative cooling system

Passive Solar

Shading system

High efficient façade

Photovoltaics

Low-emitting materials and finishes

Daylight sensors

Ground Source Heat Pump

Daylighting maximised