The renovation of the ‘Alchimiste’ building, built in 1941, was intended as a low-energy renovation so that a local business and development centre could be installed there and participate in the revitalisation of a run-down neighbourhood.
The building is a complex consisting of a ground floor + three upper storeys totalling 7680 m2, organised around a central courtyard. The thermal envelope of the building is insulated (cork floor slab), as are the street-side façades, from the interior (with wood wool), to achieve a heating consumption reduced to 37 kWh/m2.yr.
A cogeneration unit produces thermal energy (heat) and mechanical energy (electricity) simultaneously and in the same facility. The courtyard has been made permeable and the rainwater cistern has been restored. The company occupying the premises is studying the feasibility of using the flat roof for horticultural cultivation and related recreational and educational activities. The extensive green roof of wing B allows, among other things, the installation of planters.

Address:

Rue du Chimiste 34-36, 1070 Anderlecht

Client:

SDRB (Brussels Regional Development Agency)

Architect:

SNC-Lavalin sa

Engineering design:

SNC-Lavalin sa