From skyline to care line: largest hospital within Antwerp ringroad
ZAS Cadix is a dynamic care institution at the head of Park Spoor Noord. We are responsible for the full design and all technical studies: structural engineering, engineering, acoustics and fire safety. The care boulevard with the shops, restaurant and panoramic roof terrace is also accessible to local residents. This open approach underlines how vulnerability can be displayed. Given the limited building space, we are choosing a vertical arrangement. The compact design creates not only a striking cityscape, it also speeds up the care processes.
We are modelling the care streams and lift logistics so that patients in critical hands arrive five floors higher in just 15 seconds. Inside, patios, soft colours and plenty of daylight create a healing environment. Outdoors, the façade catches the light in blue and green panels, alluding to the park and docks. With sophisticated underground logistics, we guarantee a front entrance that is both green and free of cars.
The turbo in vaccine research
Antwerp welcomes Vaccinopolis, an innovative research centre for vaccines and infectious diseases. Under one roof you’ll find clinical-trial areas, hi-tech laboratories, offices and relaxation areas. We are designing and engineering multiple laboratories to biosafety level 3: high-security areas for research of microorganisms which can cause serious diseases.
Early on, we share ideas on easy-maintenance solutions, ensuring optimal performance in the building, both now and in the future. By already integrating building methods in the design phase, we achieve record speed: from concept to detailed engineering in just six months. The result? An advanced centre that helps in developing vaccines faster, thus contributing to better health in our community.
"Pandemic readiness can limit and potentially prevent ‘stay away’ and quarantine. Vaccinopolis targets the accelerated selection and evaluation of vaccines, making us much better prepared for the next pandemic and limiting its impact on society and business activities."
Smartly dosed: top-class capacity and efficiency
We are boosting the strength of Organon in Heist-op-den-Berg. With the Lab Extension Building we are creating extra capacity for quality controls and batch release. Our role? Engineering, procurement and construction management. In this way, we ensure that processes are not only faster, but also more reliable.
In a parallel project, we are designing a new weigh and dose zone: a concept that takes safety and efficiency to a higher level. By using space smartly and optimising workflows, we make the difference. In doing so, we are helping to shape a pharmaceutical future focused on precision and reliability.
"I feel what I do from close by. Without medicine, we all have a problem, after all. The thought I can help my family, friends and everyone, fuels my desire to carry on."
First climate axis gived Leuven room to breathe
With the pilot project in Meunierstraat, Leuven is embarking on a new chapter. Where tarmac and cars once ruled, a climate axis is emerging, to capture water, bring cooling refreshment and create space for nature. We are designing a robust green-blue structure making the street resilient and inclusive. Not a blueprint, but a living design: we test, learn and make adjustments.
Together with residents we literally launching ideas on the street with a tile workshop, which highlights the impact of asphalt removal, new nature and buffering. There is also something brand new in terms of energy: beneath the public road we are researching and designing a heat network with geothermal energy, a first in Belgium. Meunierstraat is a calling card for sustainable urban development, where quality of life and climate go hand in hand.
Bioscience: ultra-modern and groundbreaking
At Campus Arenberg in Leuven, the BioScience Centre is becoming the beating heart of bioscientific research. The 14-storey building has an angular design that captures maximum sunlight. An area of about 8,000 m is equipped as ultra-modern laboratories. In addition, offices, rooms for practicals and open ‘lounges’ are inspiring places, encouraging collaboration.
We are taking care of all engineering of all technology. Not only that, we are coordinating HVAC, electricity, special gases and sprinkler installations in a 3-D BIM model, ensuring that everything seamlessly fits the building design. With dynamic and static simulations, we innovate at the same pace as the actual research. We are thus achieving a fossil-free, energy-efficient and flexible research building which supports 500 scientists in their search for innovative breakthroughs.
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Vaccine innovation gains wings
On the GSK site in Wavre, a second wing is being added to the present building: a 20,000 m extension, of which 5,000 m is for production, spread across two storeys. Here, the well-known biotech company is centralising its activities around the development and supply of vaccines, which are currently dispersed across three Belgian sites.
In close collaboration with GSK we are in charge of everything: from engineering and procurement to construction management and certification (EPCmQ). That means we are responsible for both structural work and the technical installations. In phase one, we are equipping 2,000 m of manufacturing and office space, so that the GMP activities (Good Manufacturing Practice) are quickly able to move in. In this way, we are creating efficient, futureproof facilities which will contribute to vaccines to protect millions of people worldwide.
Grand Hôpital de Charleroi sets new standard
Our design for CH Les Viviers in Charleroi relieves stress and promotes well-being. Orientation, readability and subtle contrasts are helpful to patients, while a bright interior makes maximum use of daylight to support the natural life rhythm. Using the innovative shells method, we divide the core functions of the hospital across specific building typologies. Each has its own usage intensity and technical complexity: short and long stay, administration, hot floor (medical-technical functions) and logistics.
With this spatial differentiation, each function can evolve without major alterations to the building. We specifically chose a logical and human structure, supported by relation matrixes and flow diagrams. The medical project at Grand Hôpital de Charleroi rests on 13 care components, where all expertise is combined to support the patient as well and as close as possible. Here, we are combining healing design with reliable technology and energy efficiency. An investment with a high return in comfort, sustainability and quality care.
From steel and glass to knowledge and class
In Charleroi, a piece of heritage from 1911 is undergoing a revival. The former pavilion of the International Exhibition is to become the University Centre Zénobe Gramme: a campus with auditoria, computer rooms, social areas and the research centre C3E2D. We are renewing all utilities (drains, heating, lighting, sanitary facilities and sprinklers).
We are improving the building shell with high-performance glazing and well-insulating window frames. Beneath the industrial museum hall, we are creating a technical area over 1,200 m for heating and ventilation units, invisible yet essential for comfort and energy efficiency. Using tunnels under the building, we are laying pipes without harming the heritage. A smart jet ventilation system discreetly heats the large hall. With these activities we ensure heritage preservation while providing modern facilities for 1,600 students, tutors and employees.
