The new residential district of Bervoets, built in a sylvan environment outside Brussels, is a model of sustainable town planning. This is due first of all to the district’s attractive, timeless layout: the 239 residences and ten ateliers are spread over nine buildings and look out on three internal tree-planted squares, generous and inviting public spaces where residents can encounter one another. There are no cars on the street – they are all in one of three underground car parks. Sustainability and progressiveness also characterise the technologies which have been used in building the district. Electricity and warmth for heating and hot water are produced by means of cogeneration, resulting in significant energy savings. The residences have excellent insulation, of course, partly because of the use of green roofs, and they are also triple glazed and utilise a heat recovery ventilation system. The doors and windows, made with CS 86-HI, one of Reynaers’ most energy efficient systems, were subjected to a blower door test (EN 13829) to ensure that they are completely air tight. Something completely new are the roofs which act as storm drains. Together with the green roofs, these roofs catch rainwater and slow its flow to the sewage system, preventing problems with overflow.

Architect: YATLAOL 55 (Y+Y, Atlante, Atelier 55, Eole) Client: Bervoets Real Estate (Pargesy, Dexia Bank & Immo Bam) Contractor: THV Kumpen-CEI-De Meyer Fabricator: Couwenbergh & Schellens Aluminium NV, Weelde Reynaers systems: CS 86-HI