Client
Vandemoortele, Inc.
Designer / Architect
RAU Architects
Location
Ghent
Budget techniques
3,060,000 EUR (excl. VAT)
Surface
5,150 m²
Period Study
February 2017 – October 2017
Period Implementation
May 2018 – August 2019
Vandemoortele N.V. is constructing a new building in Ghent that will house the Vandemoortele Food Experience Center.
A Circular Building as a Vision for the Future
Commissioned by food producer Vandemoortele Group, RAU Architecten designed an innovative headquarters and “Food Experience Center” in Ghent. The building serves as a pioneering example of circular construction and fully integrates Vandemoortele’s core values—sustainability and innovation—into its design. In collaboration with VK Architects & Engineers, Ingenium, and ELD, an architectural statement has been created that is often cited as a benchmark for circularity in construction.
A Hub for Connection and Collaboration
The headquarters, with a total area of approximately 5,150 m² , provides workspace for 400 employees and guests. The building is organized around a central atrium that provides access to the Food Experience Center and the various office and meeting levels. This central atrium forms the heart of the building—a meeting place where employees, product developers, chefs, customers, and suppliers come together. It is here that Vandemoortele’s motto, “Shaping a tasty future,” comes to life. Within this space, a dynamic environment is created where products and visions can be experienced and further developed collaboratively.
Fully reusable construction
The steel structure is fully disassemblable and modular in design. All components can be disconnected thanks to the separation of mechanical systems and the structural framework, which is achieved through pure bolted connections. This not only ensures maximum reusability but also provides future flexibility for internal modifications. A demountable curtain wall system complements this approach—also modular in design—allowing for expansions with minimal intervention.
Sustainable energy supply
The building was completed with BREEAM Excellent certification and operates as a nearly energy-neutral structure. Ingenium provided the design and technical supervision, including dynamic comfort simulations and daylight studies, commissioning reports, and EPB reporting. The energy supply relies on a smart combination: rooftop photovoltaic modules, borehole energy storage (BTES) combined with a heat pump for heating and cooling, climate ceilings, mechanical ventilation, and a rainwater reservoir. A mechanical smoke and heat exhaust system is provided for the central atrium to ensure fire safety and evacuation. The building is also equipped with a sprinkler system. This integrated system guarantees optimal comfort with minimal energy consumption—a building that shapes its own sustainable future.
Also bitten by
smart technology?
Come push boundaries with us and help make a difference in our industry-leading projects.
Vandemoortele Food Experience Center
Vandemoortele N.V. constructed a new building in Ghent that houses the Vandemoortele Food Experience Center.
Client
Vandemoortele, Inc.
Designer / Architect
RAU Architects
Location
Ghent
Budget techniques
3,060,000 EUR (excl. VAT)
Surface
5,150 m²
Period Study
February 2017 – October 2017
Period Implementation
May 2018 – August 2019
Vandemoortele Food Experience Center
Vandemoortele N.V. is constructing a new building in Ghent that will house the Vandemoortele Food Experience Center.
A Circular Building as a Vision for the Future
Commissioned by food producer Vandemoortele Group, RAU Architecten designed an innovative headquarters and “Food Experience Center” in Ghent. The building serves as a pioneering example of circular construction and fully integrates Vandemoortele’s core values—sustainability and innovation—into its design. In collaboration with VK Architects & Engineers, Ingenium, and ELD, an architectural statement has been created that is often cited as a benchmark for circularity in construction.
A Hub for Connection and Collaboration
The headquarters, with a total area of approximately 5,150 m² , provides workspace for 400 employees and guests. The building is organized around a central atrium that provides access to the Food Experience Center and the various office and meeting levels. This central atrium forms the heart of the building—a meeting place where employees, product developers, chefs, customers, and suppliers come together. It is here that Vandemoortele’s motto, “Shaping a tasty future,” comes to life. Within this space, a dynamic environment is created where products and visions can be experienced and further developed collaboratively.
Fully reusable construction
The steel structure is fully disassemblable and modular in design. All components can be disconnected thanks to the separation of mechanical systems and the structural framework, which is achieved through pure bolted connections. This not only ensures maximum reusability but also provides future flexibility for internal modifications. A demountable curtain wall system complements this approach—also modular in design—allowing for expansions with minimal intervention.
Sustainable energy supply
The building was completed with BREEAM Excellent certification and operates as a nearly energy-neutral structure. Ingenium provided the design and technical supervision, including dynamic comfort simulations and daylight studies, commissioning reports, and EPB reporting. The energy supply relies on a smart combination: rooftop photovoltaic modules, borehole energy storage (BTES) combined with a heat pump for heating and cooling, climate ceilings, mechanical ventilation, and a rainwater reservoir. A mechanical smoke and heat exhaust system is provided for the central atrium to ensure fire safety and evacuation. The building is also equipped with a sprinkler system. This integrated system guarantees optimal comfort with minimal energy consumption—a building that shapes its own sustainable future.