Leopoldskazerne - East Flanders provincial government building
The provincial services of East Flanders were spread across seven buildings in the city center, and the provincial government wanted to centralize them within the historic Leopold Barracks and build a new provincial government building.
Client
Province of East Flanders
Designer / Architect
360 Architecten
Location
Ghent
Budget techniques
12,000,000 € excluding VAT
Budget construction cost
€54,000,000 excluding VAT
Surface
30.000m²
Period Study
06/2017 - 12/2019
Period Implementation
03/2019 - 06/2021
Reference
18017.001
Copyright images
Robbrecht and Daem architects
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Large public organizations are facing outdated buildings, rising energy costs, and the need to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.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 service delivery requires 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 functions (provincial council, executive committee, etc.), the public-facing functions (public services, meeting rooms, etc.), and the logistical functions (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.
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 sensors and daylight.
Technical concepts and final result
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 Managementat the Room Level
- Shared infrastructure formultiple functions (provincial government building, HISK, hotel, residential units, childcare)
- Mobility Solutions andGreen Space Preservation in the Master Plan
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