Facade architecture analysed

15.05.2025
Innovation, aesthetics and technology in building envelopes.
Nadja

Facades determine the character of a building and must also excel technically. During De Bouwschil's inspiration event, you will discover how innovative facade designs seamlessly combine aesthetics and performance.

  • Stig Vesterager Gothelf (3XN) shares insights on sustainable façades and international cases.
  • Trees Verhoogen (Nextensa) takes you through the sustainability policy and master plan for the Tour & Taxis site in Brussels.
  • Our Nadja Van Houten gives a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into organising and coordinating the Lake Side master plan.
05 Tour Taxis Brussels Drone Ortogonal Groot 4880

Technical challenges and complexity in façade designs

A project covering 140,000 m² with 17 buildings, an underground car park and a mix of high-rise and mid-rise buildings. That is 123,500 square metres of building envelope.

This does not come without challenges.

  • Coordination began before the design architects were appointed in order to streamline the process.
  • Cooperation between multiple architects (and architectural firms) required clear communication and pre-agreed guidelines.
  • Sustainability has been integrated from the outset, not added as an afterthought.
  • Finding a balance between feasibility, affordability and ambition.
  • Importance of daylight entry, smart joinery integration, load-bearing elements and free height for circularity.
  • Testing of bio-based and sustainable façade variants.
With smart tools, well-thought-out material strategies, thorough preparations and a keen eye for feasibility, Bureau Bouwtechniek has succeeded in combining sustainability, affordability and aesthetics in the plan for this future and gigantic project.
De Bouwschil

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