In Antwerp (Belgium), the city’s old slaughterhouse site, dating from the 1930s, was convreted into a 22,000 m² high-tech campus for AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts, with a capacity of 2,500 students and equipped equipped with modern laboratories, teaching rooms and meeting spaces. The campus opened its doors in September and was realised by...our Vanhout colleagues!
Developed by Triple Living, the project merges historical value with cutting-edge construction techniques. The original building, covering 7,600 m², was doubled in size thanks to the addition of a new floor. This new layer of construction contrasted the sleek, polished concrete with the original rough textures, creating a surprising blend of the old and new. Rounded columns were added to support the new structures, in contrast with the original square pillars, giving additional character to the building.
The building’s white façade and red roof were preserved, with circular openings added for ventilation and natural light. This creates a welcoming ground floor without affecting the industrial character of the site. Additionally, a 32-metre tower was constructed, housing classrooms and administrative offices, with terraces offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
For the energy supply, the team integrated a Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES). Although invisible to the eye, as many as 48 boreholes, each 150 metres deep, were drilled for this. The system supplies the building with geothermal energy for both heating and cooling, contributing to the energy efficiency and sustainability of the project.
The transformation wasn’t without its challenges for our colleagues. Restoring the old concrete structure required meticulous care, and stabilising the building posed technical difficulties. Another major hurdle was integrating the necessary lab facilities for STEM students while maintaining the architectural integrity of the building. This was resolved through close collaboration between all parties.
Congratulations to our Vanhout colleagues on this remarkable achievement! Their dedication and expertise have created an inspiring campus that offers ideal learning conditions, setting students up for success in a state-of-the-art environment.
