The Province of East Flanders consolidated its services, which were previously spread across seven locations in Ghent, into a new provincial headquarters within the historic Leopold Barracks on Citadel Park. The THV Leopold consortium (DMI Real estate, Democo, and Matexi), in collaboration with Sergison Bates Architects, 360 Architects, B2Ai, and Delva Landscape Architects, created a vibrant urban neighborhood of approximately 30,000 m² living, working, art education, childcare, and a hotel converge around the redesigned Paradeplein. Ingenium advised and guided the client in a design-build project and also conducted a number of feasibility studies on special engineering systems.

From Dispersed Services to an Integrated Campus

Large public organizations are facing outdated buildings, rising energy costs, and the need to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. At the same time, modern public services require flexibility, good accessibility, and a high-quality work environment. For the Province of East Flanders, this meant consolidating seven scattered office buildings into a single modern, sustainable campus. In addition to the various administrative services, the political component (provincial council, executive committee, etc.), the public component (public-facing services, meeting rooms, etc.), and the logistical component (lending service, archives, storage space, parking, etc.) were also integrated.

Sustainability at the neighborhood level as a starting point

The ambition went beyond the legal energy performance requirements for the provincial government building alone. THV Leopold opted for a sustainability vision at the neighborhood level: integrated water management, shared energy infrastructure, smart waste management, green space preservation, and mobility solutions for all functions within the complex. This called for an integrated technical approach that connects various building functions.

Ingenium as a consulting partner in design-build projects

In this design-build project, Ingenium served as a consultant to the provincial government. The project began with concept development during the preliminary design and permitting phases, during which we worked with the design team to translate the vision into feasible technical solutions. During the contractors’ design phase, we ensured the selected concepts were maintained through intensive monitoring and coordination. In addition, we conducted feasibility studies for specialized engineering systems and supervised the construction process through the provisional and final acceptance stages.

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Techniques used and final result

Geothermal energy as the backbone of the energy supply

At the heart of the energy concept is a geothermal field consisting of 160 boreholes beneath the underground parking garage, connected to water-to-water heat pumps that meet the provincial government building’s entire heating demand. For heat distribution, we opted for low-temperature solutions such as climate ceilings and convectors, ensuring that the heat pumps operate at peak efficiency. The residual heat from the data center is recovered and used for building heating.

Ventilation and cooling: comfort with minimal energy consumption

To minimize ventilation usage, we combined high-efficiency heat recovery with VAV (variable air volume) controls, low air velocities, and night cooling. This ensures a healthy indoor climate without unnecessary energy loss. A 250 kWp PV system on the roofs contributes to the building’s own energy generation. For lighting, we installed the latest generation of LEDs, controlled by occupancy and daylight sensors.

Energy & Sustainability

• Geothermal energy: 160 boreholes beneath the underground parking garage, connected to water-to-water heat pumps to meet the entire heating demand
• Solar energy: 250 kWp PV system for on-site power generation
• Waste heat recovery: Data center cooling heat used for building heating

HVAC & Indoor Climate

• Heating/cooling: Climate ceilings and convectors (low-temperature system)
• Ventilation: High-efficiency heat recovery, VAV controls, low air velocities, night cooling
• Comfort: Demand-controlled ventilation, optimal indoor climate

Lighting & Automation

• LED lighting: Latest generation, low energy consumption
• Smart control: Occupancy detection and daylight control
• Neighborhood-based approach
• Integrated water management at the room level
• Shared infrastructure for multiple functions (provincial government building, HISK, hotel, residential units, childcare)
• Mobility solutions and green space preservation in the master plan

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