The Gemeentelijk Havenbedrijf Antwerpen its previously scattered office operations, which had been spread across multiple locations, into a new provincial government building on the Eilandje in the Port of Antwerp. Zaha Hadid Architects designed a contemporary 14,000 m² office building m² appears to float above the protected historic fire station on the port grounds. Bureau Bouwtechniek provided architectural supervision, while the joint venture Jan De Nul - CIT Blaton carried out the construction. Ingenium was responsible for the complete design of the technical systems, guided by principles of sustainability and energy efficiency.

Ingenium's role in this project

From fragmentation to centralization with high sustainability goals

Large public institutions such as port authorities face challenges related to scattered office locations, inefficient logistics, and growing pressure to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. For the Gemeentelijk Havenbedrijf Antwerpen , this Gemeentelijk Havenbedrijf Antwerpen the impetus to consolidate all office operations into a single modern, energy-efficient building at an iconic waterfront location.

The vision went beyond that of a standard office building. The combination of a protected historic landmark (the former fire station), an iconic architectural design, and high sustainability standards called for a well-thought-out technical concept that harmonizes comfort, energy efficiency, and heritage preservation.

Ingenium as a technical designer: comfort and energy efficiency

Ingenium designed all the technical systems for the new 14, m² office building, which consists of a new structure built atop the historic footprint and a two-story underground parking garage beneath the forecourt. The project included HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), plumbing, electrical systems, and sustainability optimization.

Central to the approach was reducing energy demand through a well-insulated building envelope, high-performance sunshades, and energy-efficient terminal units. We then sought out renewable energy sources that fit within the urban context and make optimal use of the underground space.

Geothermal energy and heat pumps as the backbone

For heating and cooling, we designed a concept based on a ground-source heat storage BTES ) located beneath the forecourt, integrated with heat pumps. This system supplies both heat and cooling to the building, tailored to seasonal demand. Heat and cooling are distributed via chilled ceilings and chilled beams, systems that operate with low temperature differentials and thus maximize the efficiency of the heat pumps.

Water, lighting, and control: every detail counts

To reduce water consumption, we installed waterless urinals and selected fixtures with motion sensors. For the lighting, we chose the latest generation of LEDs, fully controlled via KNX with maximum integration of daylight control. This not only reduces electricity consumption but also enhances visual comfort for users.

Result: high energy performance and recognition

The new building achieved a K-level of 45 and an E-level of 75, a strong performance for an office building of this size and complexity. The entire project earned a BREEAM 'Very Good' rating, an international recognition for sustainable construction. With this design, Ingenium won the People’s Choice Award in the 2020 Challenge 2011, a competition for innovative engineering firms that prioritize sustainability.

Technical concepts and final result

Energy & Sustainability

• Geothermal Energy (BTES): Borehole Thermal Energy Storage under the forecourt, connected to heat pumps for heating and cooling
• High-performance building envelope: Effective insulation and sun protection to reduce energy consumption
• K-level 45, E-level 75 for the new building
• BREEAM 'Very Good' for the entire project

HVAC & Indoor Climate

• Heating/cooling: Cooling ceilings and cooling beams (low-temperature system, optimal heat pump efficiency)
• Ventilation: Energy-efficient air handling tailored to occupancy levels

Plumbing & Water Usage

• Waterless urinals: Maximum savings on water consumption
• Occupancy Detection: Smart Control of Sanitary Fixtures

Lighting & Automation

• LED lighting: Latest generation, low energy consumption
• KNX Control: Full integration with maximum daylight control for visual comfort and energy savings

Recognition

• 2020 People's Choice Award Challenge 2011: Competition for Innovative, Sustainable Engineering Firms

‍