Durabrik built a new office complex in the Yard at Drongen. Ingenium assisted the client and the architect (Salens architects) with sustainability advice, the study of technical equipment and as a certifier: after all, WELL certification was also included in the ambitions. The new building has become a sustainable landmark.

WELL certification

Durabrik wished to realize a new healthy and energy efficient office building. Ingenium was here, among other things, responsible for sustainability advice, general design techniques and guidance for the WELL certification. This guidance was carried out by a recognized accredited professional (AP).

This certificate is awarded to buildings that push boundaries when it comes to:

• the quality of the indoor environment
• good acoustics and ergonomic facilities
• maintenance without harmful substances
• adequate daylight and thermal comfort
• encouraging a healthy lifestyle with healthy food and adequate exercise

Ingenium was involved in this project in several ways. We coordinated the WELL trajectory and guided the client in the process toward certification. In addition, we provided advice on various aspects of sustainability: together with the architect, we studied various forms and layouts of the building, performed simulations related to daylight and comfort, and examined the sustainability of the materials that will be used. Finally, we designed the technical installations and are responsible for BIM coordination.

Buildings not only need to become more energy efficient, but more importantly, healthier. We spend up to 90% of our time in buildings, this makes it a top priority to ensure a good indoor environment for its users. In the new office, this is achieved by focusing on all the criteria of WELL: air, water, food, light, movement, comfort and spirit. In this project we pursued the gold label. For this we achieved all mandatory measures and more than 40% of the optimizations.

Sustainability as a common thread

Sustainability is the common thread in this innovative building. We achieve this by focusing on:

• Energy and water-saving techniques
• Passive house standard for the building envelope
• Fossil-free heating and cooling with modulating geothermal heat pump
• Passive cooling via climate ceilings
• Solar Panels
• Ventilation system with heat recovery
• Maximum daylighting through the Building Management System-controlled external solar shading system
• Rainwater storage for use in roof gardens and other building applications
• Green roofs for rainwater buffering
• Wadis and infiltration basins for rainwater buffering and infiltration
• Water-saving plumbing appliances
• Local water treatment via Hydraloop Separate water storage while retaining nutrients for irrigation green roofs

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The offices were built according to the passive house principle, with thorough insulation and airtightness. Geothermal energy combined with heat pumps and a solar panel park with a capacity of 250 kVA makes the use of fossil fuels unnecessary. With no fewer than 40 charging stations for cars and 70 for electric bicycles, there was also a strong commitment to making mobility sustainable.

The benefits of buildings in which users feel comfortable are enormous. Employees experience less stress, they are mentally and physically healthier, absenteeism decreases and productivity increases. The increased initial building cost thus quickly pays for itself.

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Concrete applications

Following are some concrete applications in the building:

AIR

• Design entrance hall keeps dirt from outside
• Mechanical D ventilation with flow rate 54m³/h/person and suitable filters (at least F7)
• Opening windows

WATER

• Promotion of healthy drinking water

FOOD

• Nutritious and healthy cuisine with attention to specific diets and allergies

LIGHT

• Following the circadian rhythm by providing sufficient daylight and correct light temperature of the luminaires
• Automatic outdoor blinds
• Desks sufficiently close to windows

MOVEMENT

• The staircase takes center stage
• Specific office equipment: active desks, standing tables, fitness equipment, etc.
• Workshops

COMFORT

• Individual control possible to adjust for personal comfort
• Measurement and real-time display of air quality and comfort criteria

SPIRIT

• Opening windows
• Workshops around stress and mindfulness
• Integration art