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ZIN - Brussels

The ZIN project developed by Befimmo comprises the renovation of Towers 1 and 2 of the Brussels World Trade Centre in the north of Brussels. After demolition, the existing towers will be connected by a new volume with 14 storeys and twice the height.

The ZIN project combines various functions in a highly innovative way. Living, working, living and hotel services are housed in one building. The multifunctional design of the ZIN illustrates the transformation that is taking place in the northern quarter. Once an office-only neighbourhood, it became deserted in the evenings and was further impacted by the COVID crisis and the increase in home office use. Now the authorities want to revitalise the neighbourhood and turn it into a more vibrant and greener district.

Finalisation

2024

Surface area

110,000 m² total area

75,000 m² office space

14,000 m² for flats

16,000 m² for hotel accommodation, leisure areas, restaurants and shops.

Project development

Befimmo

Architecture
51N4E
Jaspers & Eyers Architects
L´auc
Specialised planning circular economy
EPEA GmbH – Part of Drees & Sommer
ZAB
ZAB
CO2 reduced
CO2 reduced
Dismantlability
Dismantlability
Grey energy
Grey energy
Re-Use
Re-Use
Recycled building material
Recycled building material
On-site recycling
On-site recycling

This innovative building follows the principle of the circular economy and integrates the cradle-to-cradle concept to maximise waste reduction. The reuse of existing elements such as basement floors, foundations and the access core, as well as the recycling of materials that cannot be used on site, ensures a sustainable construction method. New building materials are largely cradle-to-cradle certified, including glazing, aluminium window frames and floor coverings.

A special ‘curage’ process analysed the materials for reusability. For example, flint slabs from the former plinth were used for the new terraces. The planning of the building allows for long-term adaptation to changing needs, as non-structural components can be easily dismantled. All floors are equipped with terraces so that the proportion of living space can be increased if required.

95% of the existing building mass was retained, reused or recycled, while only 5% was non-recyclable. 30,000 tonnes of concrete were reused, saving 33% of CO2 emissions compared to a new build. In addition, a geothermal system covers 70% of the heating and cooling requirements and ensures high energy efficiency. This sustainable concept sets new standards for resource-conserving construction.